She has presented in over 3,000 schools across the country and abroad, regularly delivers keynote addresses at national education and counseling conferences, and has published over 130 children’s books. The goal behind all of Julia's books and efforts is to actively involve young people into her fun and creative stories and teach them to become life-long problem solvers. Inspiration for her books and activities comes from working with children and carefully listening to parents and teachers.
“In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world!” – Julia Cook
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Joy: It's an Inside Job
Are you a Friday school counselor or a Monday school counselor? Friday school counselors can’t wait to get out of the building at the end of the week, while Monday school counselors can’t wait to get back to school after the weekend.
Joy may be one of the biggest differentiating factors.
The demands on school counselors often feels overwhelming. Each day we are confronted with behavioral issues, inequity, suicidal ideation, and diversity challenges…and that’s on top of working with students on future career options and post-secondary education, and keeping track of all the data and documentation. Meanwhile, student mental health issues are on the rise. It can be an easy recipe for discouragement and overload.
When the school counseling tidal wave begins to swell, how do you stand strong and continue to pour out the encouragement, wisdom, and support your students need?
In this heartfelt, engaging talk, Julia Cook shares what it’s taken her years to figure out. Happiness is momentary, but Joy is a constant state of contentment that is not shifted by the chaos around us. Through stories and practical steps, Julia teaches us how to shift our thinking and actions so that we can:
- Move from looking for temporary happiness to finding long-term joy
- Develop a process for self-care that inhibits burnout and compassion fatigue
- Inspire others to find their own inner joy
- Be a school counselor who looks forward to Mondays
Joy is the magic that shifts perspectives and helps us maintain passion and purpose, even in the hard seasons. Joy is the gift that keeps on giving…to you and everyone around you. In this special talk from Julia, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry… and you’ll leave with a plan for growing in joy, finding fresh meaning in your work, and supporting those who need you most.
BREAKOUT SESSIONSReboundaries and Resilience: Enhancing Skills that Foster Boundary Recognition, Determination and GRIT!How do we accomplish the great task of teaching our kids the BIG LIST of everything they need to know and succeed in life when they believe that all of their needs are being met through screen time? How do we teach our kids online safety? How do we allow technology to add to our children’s life as opposed to taking from it?How do we create an environment where kids genuinely “want it” more than we want it for them? In her research-based session, Julia takes a look at how creative world-class parents and educators are answering these questions and helping children thrive with strength and confidence in their ever-changing world!
Books That Make a Positive DifferenceIn Julia’s presentation, Books That Make a Positive Difference, she leads an entertaining discussion on the use of storybooks to offer children and adults a fun way to learn important people skills. Teach your students to become life-long problem solvers! Julia will demonstrate humorous and effective ways to use books on such subjects as anger control, grief, following instructions, tattling, bullying, personal space, interrupting, and personal safety. The writing and publishing process will also be explained - learn to become a published author!
