President’s Letter: Preparing for the Unpredictable

By December, the weather in Maine is in full swing toward winter. Days are short. Nights are long, dark and cold. Yet, as Mainers, we have the ability to adjust. We enjoy crackling fires, hot cocoa, warm socks and cozy blankets. I would guess that even the first snow brings a spark (albeit however small for some) of excitement. I find so much comfort in the predictability of these seasonal transitions. They all bring a different sense of home and comfort. But predictability is something that just doesn’t happen very often in our school counselor roles. Yes, you will see kids individually, in groups and in classroom settings, but the issues and concerns that come up during these times range across so many different spectrums that having your thumb on the best course of action for them all is impossible.
 
To add to the list of things that make being a school counselor a bit tougher, Maine school counselors are often islands in their buildings – you may be one of many educators, but none has the same training or professional perspective as you. How do you prepare for those moments? What resources do you utilize when you struggle to know what direction to take when advocating for and protecting students? My hope is that you have connected to someone in your district who understands the lens through which you see your students. Even more, I hope that you have someone outside of the school to seek supervision through. A removed, professional opinion can be invaluable. This month’s features address ethics and school counseling. Please know that we at MESCA always welcome inquiries and are happy to assist in whatever way you need. We work hard to respond to questions we get from our members quickly and professionally – we value you! Please know you aren’t alone. Keep doing the good work, in the most ethical way possible.