Counselor's Corner - August
Using the Counselor as a Resource
Introduction
When it comes to collaborating with counselors, teacher's perception of counselors is usually satisfactory (Beesley, 2004). However that amount of satisfaction varies in different locations. We can see this trend in many different areas such as "service provision, including classroom guidance, individual and group counseling, consultation, and coordination of special education services" (Beesley, 2004, pg. 266).
As you can see, there are many services that a counselor can provide towards teachers and students. What we want to establish in this newsletter, is the link between our role as a counselor and you as a teacher. Collaboration is the key to helping students develop and prosper in their education, future careers and development as a social individual.
The topics addressed in this newsletter will pertain to the use of a counselor in the areas of academic, career, and social/personal development. Teachers can look for new ways for collaboration with the counselor to enhance the environment of students and reach out to at risk students. We hope that this newsletter will be informative and helpful to lead to future collaborations and success in reaching out to students.
Working with a Counselor to Foster Academic Development in Students
School counselors are an essential resource and great partners for teachers. Gone are the days of “guidance counselors” who existed in the background of the school, sifting through paperwork and deciding for students whether or not they were fit for college. Today’s professional counselors proactively search for innovative ways to meet the needs of all students and to maximize their academic achievement. There are many ways teachers can utilize counselors to solve problems that may interfere with students’ success at school.
We hope teachers will collaborate with a counselor to integrate counseling and class lessons. Educators and school counselors will work together to teach lessons in class in regards to academics. These lessons are preventive by design and developmental in nature to help students with their decision-making in school. For example, a lesson about reviewing for midterms/finals could be paired with an activity that helps students reduce stress and anxieties while taking tests.
Being able to achieve educational success, identify and work toward goals, manage information, organize time, and locate resources are essential to this process. Counselors suggest teachers to utilize their services to foster academic development in students by collaborating lesson plans.
WHO for Careers: Using a Counselor for Career Development in Students
We are also working on another great career awareness month and great career fair - details coming later. We trying to put together some new and refreshing ways to present careers to our students.
Below are brief descriptions and links to the previously mentioned resources.
- Check out the toolkit for educators on career and education planning. It also has lessons plans and activities you could use with other subjects.
kids.usa.gov/grown-ups/lesson-plans/jobs/index.shtml
- This site has some great information and worksheets you can choose from. www.learningforlife.org/documents/Career-Exploration-Lessons-for-Sixth-and-Seventh-Grades.pdf
- This site has some links to online Career Resources:
www.breitlinks.com/careers/career_activities.htm
- These sites have lesson plans on Careers:
www.iseek.org/iseek/static/Career_Activities1_13.pdf and www.okcareertech.org/educators/career-and-academic-connections/career-information-resources/middle-school-career-development-lessons
- This site has a toolkit used in Florida to help teach students about Careers: www.fldoe.org/workforce/ced
We hope these resources are helpful and please contact us with any questions, comments, or suggestions!
Remember: “It is not what is poured into a student that counts but what is planted” – Linda Conway
Let’s make it a GREAT YEAR!
Utilizing the Counselor for the Student's Social and Personal Development
Throughout the school year we will have a number of lessons, and activities that will address many of those needs. We plan to cover topics such as peer pressure, self-esteem, multicultural awareness, etc. throughout the year with various techniques. Some of these techniques will involve classroom lessons and activities, in which the counselor will lead. Adolescence is such a crucial time in life for the students, and they will need guidance to navigate these treacherous waters.
We are certainly sure that some students will struggle this year with individual crises and peer issues. If you are or become aware of any problem that may require one-on-one attention it is the role of the administration/staff to provide that care and consideration to the student. We welcome any and all referrals so that we will be able to meet the diverse needs represented by all individuals. Should the need present itself we are able to start counseling groups as well. Groups are effective when students feel that they are alone in their struggles. Groups can help the students get the positive peer support they need to succeed.
In Conclusion....
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
― Michael Jordan
References
Introduction
Beesley, D. (2004). TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF SCHOOL COUNSELOR EFFECTIVENESS: COLLABORATING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS. Education, 125(2), 259.Chen, C. (2005). COUNSELLOR AND TEACHER COLLABORATION IN CLASSROOM-BASED CAREER GUIDANCE. Australian Journal Of Career Development (ACER Press), 14(3), 18-28.
Utilizing the Counselor for the Student's Social/Personal Development
American School Counselor Association. (2010). Ethical Standards for School Counselors. (pdf/media), 2(A.3.a.)
Douglas Hinman
Jordan Mitchell
Robyn C Walton Padgett
Jasmine N. Young
Erica Gordian
Location: Paducah, KY, United States