Saturday, February 11, 2012

Have you thanked your school counselor today?

Apparently, last week was "National School Counseling Week" and we teachers at my school missed it! Therefore I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you do. As a teacher, I often get so wrapped up in my interactions with students, that I "forget" that hosts of other people make such a difference in getting students through their tumultuous high school years. This year alone the amazing people in the guidance department at my school have:

  • Worked with parents to set up multi-teacher meetings
  • Coordinated homework for home-bound students
  • Informed and assisted teachers with preparing for extended absences for students
  • Met with students one-on-one for:
    • College planning
    • Class planning
    • Check-in on progress
    • Social issues (and other issues)
    • Help with college applications (literally sitting with students and helping them step by step!)
    • LISTENING to the students on any concern
  • Written countless college recommendations making each student sound truly special
  • Contacted parents, coordinated educational events; AND
  • Listened and provided support to TEACHERS (like me!)
    • Seriously I am not even certain this last one falls under their job descriptions, yet they do it cheerfully!


I am sure I have (inadvertently) overlooked a trillion other tasks these fine professionals perform on a daily basis. Our students are lucky to have such amazing people in our guidance department, as are we teachers. 

So three cheers for  our wonderful school counselors! Happy (belated) National School Counseling Week! Thank you for all that you do!