2013-2014 Counselor Planner Update

I have been using my counselor planner for a couple of weeks so it is time to share!  As a teacher, I was able to find so many options in planners, but as I started my counseling job, I was not happy with the traditional types of planners.  I am still in love with the Erin Condren planner and may even purchase another one for personal use, but here is how I use my counselor planner.

The idea came from http://jyjoynercounselor.blogspot.com and is very similar to what she shared.

2013-2014 Counselor Planner 

1.  Important Papers:  Mental health resources, College Seminar Outline, Counselor contacts, high school credit requirements, and IEP passports to keep handy.

2.  Yearly Calendar:  This is where I will plan Red Ribbon Week, Bulletin Board ideas, and group counseling for the year.

3.  Monthly Calendar:  I put my monthly counselor meetings, conferences, school events, college visits, etc. here.

4.  To do list:  I must have a "To Do" list.  This list is ongoing of daily "to do's."  If there are items that I must do immediately, I put a date of when I need to get them done.  Other than that, I just make sure I work through the list.

5.  Week Planner:  I started writing "To Do's" here, but it became too messy.  Since I am teaching a course this year, this where I will put my plans.

6.  Counseling Schedule and Notes:  This allows me to jot down the names of students I see daily and a note about what the meeting was about (if I have time).  It worked well last year.  I use this for scheduling purposes as well as students who drop in for something.  Since I try not to take students out of the same class every week, I can look back to the previous week and plan accordingly.  

7.  Parent Conference/Call Log:  As you can tell, I document everything!  I even keep the faxes that I send.  I document parent conferences and phone calls.  

8.  Note paper:  This is where I take extra notes.  However, I just purchased a notebook from Target that will be my "Personal/Social" planning notebook of ideas.  I can't wait to use it! 

9.  I inserted a 2 pocket folder in the back of the planner, but it is larger than the notebook so I may take it out.  Plus, I won't be such a hoarder if I have to keep this planner neat (instead of sticking papers inside the folder).

That is all!  I hope that I gave you some ideas to help you organize.  I purchased the colorful dividers at Staples and the Flex notebook at Target.