Here’s to you, Washington state school counselors! As we begin the school year, I am astounded by all the things you’re doing for students. I see you on Twitter, Facebook, the ASCA SCENE and Pinterest. I’ve been lucky to see a few examples in my school district.
Mrs. “Bee,” for instance, taught a wonderful third-grade lesson introducing herself as the school counselor. She engaged the students and the teacher with laughter and fun. Most important, she emphasized the behavior standard, “Create relationships with adults that support success.” It was a perfect lesson to kick off the school year.
At one of our middle schools, the counselors are training mentors to welcome new students (creating positive and supportive relationships with other students). Just three weeks into school, high school counselors are working with the career specialist on a lesson. They’ll make sure their freshmen can identify long- and short-term academic, career and social/emotional goals.
These are all different ways to start off the school year implementing the Washington State K-12 Comprehensive School Counselor and Guidance Program Model. Yet they are similar in the fact that school counselors are making sure students begin with knowledge, attitudes and skills they need. Here’s to you folks! Have a great year.
Contact Brian Mathieson, Ed.D., NBCT, WSCA president, at brianmathiesonwsca@gmail.com or on Twitter at @MathiesonBri