School Counselor Research Paper

Due to inclement weather, all 8th grade Sussex Middle School students who have appointments to meet with High Point counselors on Tuesday, February 9th have been rescheduled for the same time on Thursday, February 11th. Any questions, please feel free to contact the High Point Guidance Department at 973-875-3101 ext. 1280.

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.

(GSCA Journal, 2011, p. 7). The school counselor can be seen assisting students with exploring educational goals, filling out college applications and on the converse, interacting with small children on a elementary school playground. School counselor are often individuals our kids turn to for help when there is trouble at home and school. The school counselor can offer guidance and assistance in all areas academic and personal.

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.

Since the establishment of public education in the United States, schools have provided a sense of security and belonging to their students. Although sitting through lectures and doing homework may not be the most exciting thing in the world, students will always have a lunch to eat, a roof over their head, and a supportive teacher or counselor that they can talk to. Despite the “safe” environment and presence of authoritative figures on school campuses, trouble always finds a way to break out. Simple misbehaving and occasional fights are a common occurrence on most school campuses, however a new breed of troublesome and violent students has hatched. The

You are a Licensed Professional School Counselor working in a middle school in North Carolina and one of my former students Tierra has graduated and has come by my office to share her plans after graduation. While talking with her, she has informed me that she had been romantically involved with her high school counselor, Zack for most of her senior year in high school but that they had recently decided to just be friends. Tierra also stated they had not been involved sexually, and had not gone any further than kissing.

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

Now that the data has been analyzed it is now up to the school counselor to share the results with the stakeholders. School counselors can use microsoft word, powerpoint, excel, and any other program to share their results. Delivering the results to the stakeholders in a presentation using powerpoint and excel is a great way to keep the stakeholders attention. When sharing the results with the stakeholders you want to be sure to share the results of the needs assessment and prove whether or not your program has impacted the students. You also want to discuss how you can improve the school counseling program. A chart with the analyzed data is also helpful. Implementing a comprehensive school counseling program can be challenging. My needs assessment was based off of how well the

School Counselors strive to make each student feel that there is someone in the school who knows and cares about them. Above all else school counselors are advocates for students, by acting as a resource for all students, course selection, and administration of guidance program for the student. Their goal is to help students overcome problems that impede learning and to assist them in making educational, occupational and life plans that hold promise for their personal fulfillment as mature, responsible men and women. Academic success is essential to the educational process, but it is not the only area students can excel in. A counselor’s work closely with both students and their families

The school counselor’s role is a dynamic one. School counselors must be agents of leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and systemic change (American School Counselor Association, 2012). The job is unique because counselors are involved in almost every aspect of school life. The counselor’s role is to promote success not only academically, but also for the social/emotional health of students which allows them to be successful both in the classroom and after they have graduated. Counselors have to handle topics that others school employees may find too sensitive or controversial- all while keeping confidentiality of their clients/students. Counselors

“Serves a vital role in maximizing student success. Through leadership, advocacy and collaboration, school counselors promote equity and access to rigorous educational experiences for all students” (The Role of the School Counselor, 2017).

The goal of a school counselor is to support students so they will be successful academically, achieve skills that will make them college/career ready and obtains specific strategies that will allow them to be emotionally and socially successful in life. High school, School Counselors should conduct efficient data and work collaboratively with educators, administrators and parents to ensure that their students will be successful by implementing these domains.

Violence in society is increasing dramatically and not only is it out in the streets, but it’s in the school systems as well. However, school violence has been becoming more and more of a problem all over the nation in the past several years. School violence needs to stop because no one should be afraid to go to school without feeling like it’ll be their last day.

In Isaiah, it says, “His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor...” He understands what we’re going through and can help give us advise while he accompanies us in whatever we are facing. In Hebrews 4:15 the Bible says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Jesus understands more perfectly than any human ever could, what we are going through. He is there in the midst of the darkness, and He is the light of the world. He is our comfort and our strength. Hebrews 4:16 says, “...and with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” there you will meet your Wonderful Counselor.

     The most effective and most common method in dealing with violence in schools is conflict resolution.  It has been used in many different states and in several different formats to try to give the students, faculty, and parents an