TL;DR:
- The role of the school counselor has changed from in the past. They manage college essays and counsel students. They also create and monitor programs, including social-emotional learning, new student programs, suicide prevention, career development, intervention, and family issues.
- This post honors National School Counseling Week from February 1-5.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of co-presenting with the high school principals to the Worthington City Schools Board of Education on the “State of the High School Programs.” We spent time framing our work to consider the whole child and the different backgrounds, interests, and levels in learning of our students.
We shared about the partnerships with various organizations that extended learning beyond the walls of the schools, as well as creating a physically and emotionally safe environment for students to learn and explore. After the presentation, we opened the time to questions. The questions led to a great dialogue that showcased the hard work of our staff and students.
At the conclusion of the evening presentation, I continued to reflect on a statement from a board member immediately after the presentation portion of the evening.
As I reflected on all of the slides about our programs, everything we talked about attached to the direct or indirect involvement of our school counselors. I have incredible respect for our school counselors and what they do each day. Click To Tweet“It sounds like our school counselors are doing a lot for our students.”
As I reflected on all of the slides about our programs, everything we talked about attached to the direct or indirect involvement of our school counselors. I have incredible respect for our school counselors and what they do each day. But I realized that I neglected to recognize them overtly. I am so glad our board members were able to make this great connection of the work of our school counselors.
With the increased and changing requirements on graduation, state testing, and needs of our students with mental and social-emotional health supports, I am fortunate to work with such talented and committed school counselors. The role of the counselor has changed. They manage college essays and counsel students. They also create and monitor programs, including social-emotional learning, new student programs, suicide prevention, career development, intervention, and family issues. In my role as a district administrator, they are on my direct dial for many of these efforts.
While I am talking with them in person or by phone, I am always grateful for their knowledge on policies, student issues, and support groups. And I’m grateful for their positive spirit and attitude, depth of knowledge, advocacy for students, and work above and beyond.
There isn’t a week that goes by that I don’t hear from a parent on how a school counselor saved his/her child’s life!
As I continue to observe the changing landscape of education and the needs of our students, I am even more affirmed about these necessary positions in our schools. And, even more, I am honored to share the stories I have experienced with our amazing team of counselors in Worthington City Schools.
As we celebrate National School Counseling Week from February 1-5 this year, I encourage you to reflect on the day-to-day work of our school counselors. If you are as fortunate as I am, you will not only see them working hard with a lot of things happening at once, but you will experience kindness and a genuine passion for helping each child.
[scroll down to keep reading]
For these reasons, I hope you will join me in giving a huge thanks to our school counselors!
Check out the amazing resources and activities to spotlight your school counselor and counseling support by the National School Counselor Association: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Events-Professional-Development/Events/National-School-Counseling-Week
ABOUT NEIL GUPTA
Dr. Neil Gupta has served as a teacher, building administrator, and district-level administrator for over 20 years. Neil has presented at the state, national, and international level in the areas of leadership and coaching. Dr. Gupta has a passion for coaching leaders and working with teams employing effective strategies. Dr. Gupta is also a member of the Teach Better Speakers Network.
