School Counselors Making an Imprint on Future Generations (GSCA 2026 Annual Conference)

Elementary

Counselor Educator/Supervisor

Join us for a dynamic, hands-on session that brings social-emotional learning to life! Explore engaging, student-centered activities using interactive SEL tools designed to build self-awareness, empathy, and positive decision-making. Participants will experience ready-to-use strategies that foster meaningful conversations and real-world connections. Walk away with practical ideas and resources that make SEL impactful, memorable, and easy to implement in any learning environment.

Elementary

New Counselor/Graduate Student

Make an imprint on future generations with BOOKS! It's YEAR 28 of school counselors using fantastic children’s literature to enhance our counseling programs! The self-proclaimed President of Book-A-Holics Anonymous is back to bring you dozens of children’s books and ideas for using them in your counseling program in this practical and fast-paced workshop! With a complete bibliography of books arranged by subject, you will leave with LOTS of ways to become a Book-A-Holic yourself!

Elementary

Elementary/Middle

Looking for fresh ideas to make a big impact? School-wide events have the power to make a lasting imprint on all students. From Kindness Week to College and Career Week, after-school clubs to playful recess interventions, this session will share creative ways to engage and inspire students in your school. Attendees will walk away with ready-to-use plans that will empower students as leaders, promote a sense of belonging, and make an imprint on future generations.

Elementary

Middle

Children who grow up in high-conflict homes often carry invisible emotional burdens into school. This session uses the original children’s book What They Don’t See to explore how child-centered storytelling can help students express fear, confusion, divided loyalty, and hidden stress. School counselors will learn trauma-sensitive language, bibliotherapy techniques, and practical strategies to help students feel seen, safe, and supported.

Elementary

School Administrator

This interactive workshop equips elementary school counselors with a practical, step-by-step framework for designing, coordinating, and delivering a meaningful Career Day experience. Participants leave with ready-to-use tools, templates, and a phased planning roadmap they can implement immediately at their schools.

Elementary

Elementary

As school counselors, we perpetually dash from one activity to another, striving to meet the diverse needs of our students. Yet, maintaining a toolbox brimming with captivating activities can prove challenging. Fear not! Join seasoned school counselors who will generously share a treasure trove of effective, ready-to-go activities. These gems can seamlessly enhance your classroom lessons, invigorate small group sessions, enrich individual counseling, and empower your peer leader programs.

Elementary

New Counselor/Graduate Student

A fast-paced, practical session that shows counselors how to transform familiar classroom games into engaging Zones of Regulation activities students love. Participants will learn how to use gameplay to spark connection, build emotional awareness, and bring Zones concepts to life in a fun, low-prep way. Attendees will leave with ideas for game-based activities and simple strategies they can use in classroom lessons, small groups, or share with staff to support consistent, schoolwide implementation.

Elementary

Middle

Come learn how to intentionally support elementary students' career development and implement an impactful Career Day event. This session provides suggestions for original Career Cluster class lessons and Career Day Unit class lessons that enhance students’ interests/abilities, skills/talents, post-secondary planning, and job interviewing etiquette. All lessons utilize ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors standards and learning objectives. This session also provides helpful logistical tips to ensure Career Day planning is a success!