How We Support Struggling Students

Imagine being a student these days. With social media literally in the palms of our hands and high-stakes testing that drives everyday instruction, it's no wonder our students are struggling to cope with monumental levels of stress and anxiety. Our unique role as school counselors allows us to impact student well-being in ways that few others in our school can. We might lead entire classrooms through meditation exercises, or even yoga poses. In some cases, we may just help them focus on breathing deeply. We might teach entire units at each grade level that help students build necessary coping skills or test-taking strategies. In smaller groups, we often help students work through test day jitters or stressful family circumstances. Sure, classroom teachers might help with these things too, but we can really shine when it comes to one-on-one interventions. We get to spend time with students to really help them understand what is causing their stress/anxiety, and empower them with methods to manage or even overcome it altogether. We even have our own toolbox of community resources that families can access to support students.
 
So, as we return to school for the last half of the year (and testing season!), I encourage you to look at your comprehensive school counseling program and identify the components that support students as they cope with stress, anxiety and the myriad other things they struggle to deal with. Then, pat yourself on the back and smile!

Chad Gregorius is secretary of the Nevada School Counselor Association.