291. Engaging Students in Class Lessons with Lacey Dixon
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Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified. Today I am interviewing Lacey, a school counselor and IMPACT member. In this episode, we are talking all about class lessons and the engaging formula she uses to keep students involved and excited about learning.
Lacey Dixon is an enthusiastic educator that leads with positive intention while fostering a nurturing, growth-oriented inclusive environment for her school and community. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation, a Masters in School Counseling, and a Masters in Instruction that has served her well as a seventeen-year education veteran and first-generation college student.
This school year marked a turning point as she began her new journey as a first-year school counselor. Previously, she served as a secondary agriscience educator and FFA advisor, an ag relationship manager in the private sector and instructional leader at an intermediate school. Blending her love of teaching, and intuitive ability to build strong relationships with students, Dr. Dixon strives to create a learning environment where all students feel loved and welcomed from the moment they walk through their school doors.
Cultivating social emotional intelligence and mindfulness among staff and students, continues to shape her everyday interactions and school initiatives for the promise of a better tomorrow.
What do you love about school counseling?
When asked what she loves most about school counseling, Lacey shares that she enjoys building relationships and having the opportunity to do something different every day. She works with students in grades four through six and teaches lessons within professional learning communities. She values incorporating social emotional learning into her lessons and is passionate about helping students feel loved and welcomed each day.
How do you manage class lessons at your school?
Lacey has developed a clear and engaging structure for her class lessons. She begins by gathering student input about what they enjoy, ensuring their voices are heard. Each lesson starts with a Smartboard open and includes morning movement such as dances or short videos to energize students. From there, she leads affirmations, inviting students to repeat statements like, “I belong in this classroom just as I am.”
Next, she introduces an activator, which may be a short video or a definition connected to the lesson objective.
The class then moves into the main activity, often including a take home component to help students create meaning beyond the classroom.
She closes with a reflection component to reinforce learning. Her lesson framework includes a physical activity, affirmation, activation, activity, and reflection.
What does a typical day look like for you?
In a typical day, Lacey balances lunch and bus duties, small groups, individual student sessions, and teaching class lessons three days per week. Each day brings variety and opportunities to connect with students in different ways.
What advice do you have for new counselors?
For new counselors, Lacey offers thoughtful advice. She encourages counselors to extend grace to themselves and their students. She recommends focusing on immediate priorities rather than trying to do everything at once. She also emphasizes the importance of having trusted colleagues or friends to lean on, as the role can be demanding and emotionally heavy.
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More About School Counseling Simplified:
School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica.
You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!
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