Role of the Counselor
As a professional school counselor I can enhance the educational experience of students by:
- addressing personal/social concerns that get in the way of students' education,
- serving as a link between the community and the school,
- coordinating a comprehensive guidance curriculum, and
- advocating for students and the profession.
Comprehensive Guidance Curriculum
A comprehensive counseling program includes classroom guidance, counseling groups, and individual counseling. As a school counselor, my professional organization – the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) has provided a model for developing a comprehensive counseling program. I will utilize both the ASCA National Standards and the Virginia Standards for School Counseling Programs - which cover the domains of academic, personal/ social, and career development.- Academic development: School counselors help students obtain and maintain the attitudes, knowledge and skills needed for academic success in the present and for the future.
- Personal/Social development: School counselors engage students in activities to promote positive interpersonal knowledge, attitudes and skills. These assets are central to helping students make healthy decisions, set reasonable personal goals, cope with difficult and stressful situations and consider their personal safety inside and outside the school setting.
- Career development: School counselors help students understand their personal talents and strengths in ways that allow them to acquire skills for exploring the world of work and for making informed career decisions.
Classroom Guidance
Classroom guidance is an important component of a counseling program
because I can affect the largest amount of students in this way. I will
teach lessons that promote academic success (e.g., developing study
skills). My classroom guidance lessons will incorporate personal/social
concerns like responsibility and citizenship. I will also help to
facilitate career development because this is not something that begins
in high school; students can begin to explore their interests at an
early age.
Counseling Groups
Counseling groups offer a unique opportunity for students to discuss
common challenges and work together to find solutions. Groups like this
also offer support – letting students know that they aren’t the only one
experiencing these challenges. Before offering
counseling groups I will conduct a needs-based assessment to allow both
students and teachers an opportunity to share the needs they perceive.
Based on the feedback I can offer a variety of groups.I may offer groups on topics like:
- Academic Success,
- Friendship,
- Social Skills,
- Making Choices,
- Military Support,
- Changing Families, or
- Grief/Loss.
