Kirsten H. Perry

International Educator | Author | SEL Consultant

Publication

Practical strategies to improve school climate and well-being for all

I recently authored and edited a book with Dr. Melissa S. Ockerman from DePaul University. This book aims to clarify the intersections among multiple SEL models and outline how school counselors can effectively support and enhance each one.

In addition to providing conceptual clarity, the book serves as a practical guide for both school counselors and administrators aiming to implement a fully systemic approach to SEL. It includes discussions of common problems of practice, actionable solutions, reflective questions, professional learning and implementation templates in each chapter.

As an edited volume, the book features contributions from 19 practitioners and scholars selected for their demonstrated ability to lead systemic SEL initiatives in schools. Contributors include both field-based leaders driving change in K–12 settings and researchers offering evidence-based best practices from higher education.

Actionable insights to foster culturally responsive programming while driving systemic change

Practical solutions for addressing real-world implementation challenges tailored to diverse school communities

Downloadable templates, talking points for encouraging dialogue, and team-based professional development activities

Guidance for fostering partnerships among administrators, school counselors, and multidisciplinary partners

Strategies to prevent burnout and sustain meaningful contributions within school systems

REVIEWS

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“This book is essential reading for every school counselor, leader, counselor educator, and leadership educator. Kirsten Perry and Melissa Ockerman have edited an international, culturally diverse, and wise group of school counselors and leaders in the field who address our biggest issue: making sure that building leaders and school counselors are on the same page to ensure the success of all students. As I was reading this book, I realized we finally have a school counseling text ideal for human development classes—we are not only developing individual students, but also entire school counseling programs; that is what this book does by combining the best of CASEL and ASCA Model concepts. It’s a love letter to schools and students wrapped in the need to be flexible, creative, and fierce as we create culturally responsive practices, This book is a roadmap on how to chart a course of care, wisdom, and kindness as we ensure academic, career, college access and affordability, and admission skills rooted in the social-emotional success for all students.”

Stuart Chen-Hayes, PhD

Professor in Counselor Education: School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

“This book is essential reading for every school counselor, leader, counselor educator, and leadership educator. Kirsten Perry and Melissa Ockerman have edited an international, culturally diverse, and wise group of school counselors and leaders in the field who address our biggest issue: making sure that building leaders and school counselors are on the same page to ensure the success of all students. As I was reading this book, I realized we finally have a school counseling text ideal for human development classes—we are not only developing individual students, but also entire school counseling programs; that is what this book does by combining the best of CASEL and ASCA Model concepts. It’s a love letter to schools and students wrapped in the need to be flexible, creative, and fierce as we create culturally responsive practices, This book is a roadmap on how to chart a course of care, wisdom, and kindness as we ensure academic, career, college access and affordability, and admission skills rooted in the social-emotional success for all students.”

Stuart Chen-Hayes, PhD

Professor in Counselor Education: School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

“This book is essential reading for every school counselor, leader, counselor educator, and leadership educator. Kirsten Perry and Melissa Ockerman have edited an international, culturally diverse, and wise group of school counselors and leaders in the field who address our biggest issue: making sure that building leaders and school counselors are on the same page to ensure the success of all students. As I was reading this book, I realized we finally have a school counseling text ideal for human development classes—we are not only developing individual students, but also entire school counseling programs; that is what this book does by combining the best of CASEL and ASCA Model concepts. It’s a love letter to schools and students wrapped in the need to be flexible, creative, and fierce as we create culturally responsive practices, This book is a roadmap on how to chart a course of care, wisdom, and kindness as we ensure academic, career, college access and affordability, and admission skills rooted in the social-emotional success for all students.”

Stuart Chen-Hayes, PhD

Professor in Counselor Education: School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

Grounded in research and real-world experience, The ABCs of Social Emotional Learning for School Counselors and Administrators equips educators to build sustainable programs while prioritizing the well-being of all.

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