I often get asked, so what do you do? The question is better phrased, “How are students different because of the counseling program?”
A huge priority in my opinion, as educators is to encourage students to become excited about learning, and in return take responsibility for their own learning. However, when things are standing in the way of a child’s learning, he or she will be unable to fully benefit from the learning experience. My job is to help students overcome those barriers that are standing in their way from becoming successful learners in the classroom. I also am responsible in ensuring that every student benefits from the counseling program.
This can be done in a variety of ways – as the goal of a counseling program today is to benefit ALL students. Counselors today can provide services to students through large-group guidance lessons, small group sessions, and individual sessions. Collaboration with teachers and parents is a huge component as well! As a counselor, I try to focus on the academic, career, and personal/social needs of the student. All of the topics I address will help the student become more prepared for the future both as a student and as a community member.
A school counseling program today is driven by standards – just like in an academic classroom. Using data also helps to decide what is working – and what’s not. While all things can’t be measured with pen and paper, there are other forms of assessment as well. A counseling program should be proactive and preventive, so students are equipped with the knowledge they will need in the future. I will act as an advocate for students to make sure that their best interests are being met at all times.
While all of the above is true… and that is how a counseling program is set up… the number ONE priority for me, as a counselor and at-risk coordinator, is to make sure that every student feels welcomed and comfortable at school.
“Our task…is not to fix the blame for the past, but to fix the cause for the future.”
-JFK
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