What School Counseling is All About

I had the privilege of interviewing an elementary/middle school counselor at a charter school in North Philadelphia.

A Typical Day

• Meet and greet staff and students as they enter
• Converse with dean and principal to assess immediate needs
• Prioritize the days issues
• See children that need assessments or counseling
• Prepare for upcoming, outreach event, training, assemblies, etc

What I Learned

• Counseling can be intense and stressful
• It is important to remember why you do it
• You may have to reprioritize through the day
• Student's needs come first, but staff morale is important 
• Remember to be developmentally appropriate

Roles and Responsibilties

• Roles seem to be in line with what is in the text
• Shows concern for student's education, personal and future goals
• Tries to incorporate teachers, staff, family and community
• Evaluates and examines progress
• Tries to find new and innovative ways for everyone to grow

The ASCA standards are like the golden rule. It’s something that governs your day to day interactions. You may not know them by memory but you try to treat each student in the way that you would want someone to treat your child.

"Desire lights the fire, but patience is paramount"

Wanting to help students is a great place to start. It gives you focus and passion, but you have to have the patience to see it through and the willingness to continue learning throughout your career.

Are counselor's too overwhelmed to accomplish what they need and want to accomplish for each student?
Is this really my calling in life?