School Counselor

From this twenty year counseling veteran I learned about a functioning guidance program, the role of the counselor, the amount of time she spends in various components of the program, how to foster a positive relationship with the teachers and faculty, ways to continue to develop professionally, and insight for a future career in school counseling. As I drove away from the school, I felt a mix of emotions such as, intimidation, excitement, and hopefulness to name a few. When I began to try to take in just how much is required and how many people rely on a school counselor it was intimidating. In my mind I began to wonder if it is possible for one person to be that much to that many people and still keep some kind of balance. As soon as the thought passed through my mind, I immediately heard the words of wisdom that had been shared with me, "don 't beat yourself up for not being able to be everything to everybody." I also reflected on how upbeat the counselor sounded when she talked about her role in helping students become "the best people

It takes a special person to become a school counselor and in doing so it is important to take those life skills, knowledge, dispositions, and background experiences to help along the way. In the counseling field there are some guidelines and theories that will help, but nothing that prepares you for what may happen at any moment or any time during the day. It is clear that life definitely throws some unexpected curve balls and that is the same for situations in the field of school counseling. You never know what situation you will run into and in order to dodge those curve balls it is those life experiences that often time influence the direction in which we take both personally and professionally. It is important to compile all the knowledge and experiences that we have gained throughout life and apply them in a way that will help others to be successful. It is key to reflect on the past and those skills that I have that will lead me to become an effective professional school counselors.

Management: According to ASCA School Counselor Competencies (ASCA, 2012), school counselors should own the data, aptitudes, services and insolences required to bring about a school counseling program similar to the ASCA National Model. For example, into the education system, school counselors must be able to administer the school counseling assessment and the time used for assessment.

Although it is vital to continue to conduct research on the development of professional school counselors, researchers must also allocate attention to explore what resources are needed to educate and train a school counselor director to the standards set forth by ASCA and to determine whether opportunities currently exist to receive this education and training.

The role of a school counselor is an intriguing one because they do not work with a specific type of client. While they will always be working with young children or teenagers, the problems their clients come to them with can be so different from client to client. One session might be dealing with questions about career choices. Another might be about dealing with bullying. Some days a school counselor may even have to be there for a child who was a victim of sexual or physical abuse. It is because of this wide range of demands that a school counselor should be well-versed in many types of counseling theories.

School counselors collaborate with other school personnel such as teachers who will help implement guidance lessons in the classroom. As a school counselor it is important to keep the teachers motivated to help implement these programs. Resource teachers typically work the special education students, collaborating with resource teachers ensures that all students are included in the comprehensive program. The resource teacher can help provide alternative to working with students in an inclusive manner. The principles and assistance principles of the school typically serve on the advisory committee, they provide resources to the program, and help communicate the important of the counseling program. School psychologist are there to assist with mental health services, doing assessments, and working with the school counselor during crisis situations. School nurses provide health services to the students. They monitor student medications and note changes in students behavior or effectiveness of the medication. Secretaries are equally important in the collaborative model. Secretaries are typically the first person a parent will come in contact with when entering the school. They are the ones that create that first impression (Erford, 2015). Community agencies can provide additional support to students outside of

Counselors help empower individuals to learn how to cope with everyday stresses while striving for self-acceptance through therapy, and various residential activities. Counselors additionally will help individuals apply for jobs, guide them in the steps needed to learn new skills for better job placement.

Some schools have counselors who are devoted to college counseling but with large student populations and the demands from academic courses versus the daily school schedule, finding time to provide adequate college counseling or support with important task that are imperative to complete when enrolling in college is a difficult task for all students, especially for low-income first generation college students. For example in the article “Is private college counseling the key to getting into a top school?(USA Today need to cite correctly), A parent of a high school senior in California expressed that “ My daughter’s high school is at maximum enrollment, and the counselors don’t know my child and never will.” High school counselors today have many task to complete such as scheduling, completing IEP’s and having the task of overseeing their schools social events. They have to complete all the task listed above and meet the needs of every student. Because of the daily hassles of a high school counselor unfortunately the needs of students are not

a big job that I feel school counselors don’t get credit for enough. Many times, school

School counselors make $53,610 a year and $25.77 an hour. They must contain interpersonal skills, speaking skills, and listening skills. That is just a tiny portion of being a counselor. Being a school counselor is not all fun and games. School counselors play a large role in the future leaders of our nation. Normally a counselor provides his or her services to three categories, such as academic, personal/social, and career. High School counselors help students find their talents, their career paths, the college they are interested in attending, and even earn a scholarship. School counselors also encourage students to follow their dreams and achieve their goals. They do help students with problems either at home or in school. The school counselor does this by giving the student positive suggestions to help solve their problem. By helping students solve their problems counselors help students clear their mind and focus on their academics. According to “EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL COUNSELING”, School counselors help reduce test anxiety, prevents

School counseling has evolved over the years into a significant component of the educational system. School counselors are taking on new roles in schools as leaders, working with “school administration and staff in developing student attitudes and behavior which are necessary to maintain proper control, acceptable standards of self-discipline and a suitable learning environment within the school” (Secondary School Counselor 2012). Counselors work in “diverse community settings designed to provide a variety of counseling, rehabilitation, and support services” (Counselors, 2010). When working in a school district as a counselor, you can either be an elementary school counselor, middle school counselor or a high school counselor.

As a young student in high school, I came to have my very first School Counselor. The school was in an urban area and there were approximately five counselors in our guidance department. I remember vividly that some students had a lack of respect of the position, claiming that their “counselor’s did not do anything”. While I cannot speak for others I was always pleased from what I expected of my counselor at the time. I was seen once or twice a semester to discuss what classes I should enroll in, received career advisement, and was given assistance in preparing for college.

Serving students with different backgrounds, personalities, or beliefs may not be the easiest thing to do, as their thought process may differ. Therefore, it is essential for school counselors to find healthy ways to build on a school counselor-student relationship. There are several characteristics or behaviors that I feel school counselors should have, that helps them maintain a relationship with their students. Students can be more willing to open-up their thoughts or accept suggestions when the school counselor is a good listener. A lot of the times, we can think that we have to do all the talking, but is necessary to step back and listen at the students first. Also, school counselors must be friendly and easy to approach. Students can feel more comfortable with individuals they like and accept. In addition, it is essential for all school counselors to appreciate diversity. It is important for school counselors to

Lockhart, Estes J. & Keys, Susan G. (1998). The mental health counseling role of school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 1(4), Retrieved from PsychInfo. ‘

School counselors have the responsibility of helping individuals understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting their educational or vocational situations. Moreover, counselor provided crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at the school or around the community. Also, counselors have the responsibility to serve has guardians and prepared the students for later