Uniquely Positioned: A School Counselor's Role with the Community
By Amanda Bender | October 2017
“I think maybe I’m happier in your room. Yeah, I like it better in here.” Those are the words of a stressed-out third grader trying to avoid a spelling test he had not studied for. As a school counselor, that is what you hope for: that your room is a safe place. Without that foundation, nothing much can be accomplished. Of course, the next part of the conversation gently explains why the school counselor is here and why my office is not an alternate location to take a spelling test. After a quick conversation and a few new skills the student is back in the classroom. I would be lying if I said I do not enjoy being seen as the nice guy. I take my role as the friendly school counselor, not just to students but to teachers, parents and the community, very seriously. Our friendly demeanor uniquely positions school counselors to make a difference.
Consider parents – they are a school’s first interaction with the community. Nearly every adult a parent interacts with in the school setting has an air of authority. Think about it. What parent doesn’t hold their breath when they see a call from the school? The principal and teachers have countless rules and expectations, and even the librarian is tracking whether that missing library book has been found yet. School counselors, on the other hand, have the joyous advantage of an even playing field; we are here to help. You are able to offer yourself as a teammate, someone who is on the parent’s side. This unique position can be utilized to mediate between parents and teacher or build a relationship with a parent who previously had not seen the importance of school.
Beyond the rapport with parents, school counselors can reach out to the broader community. In some ways, reaching out to the community falls right into what we see as the role of the school counselor: knowing the community resources for referrals or inviting stakeholders to be part of your advisory committee. Being aware of community resources and building relationships with these individuals or organizations can help you make big things happen for your school. School counselors see a broader scope of individual and community needs; that’s yet another reason to take your role as advocate seriously.
Sure, not having to be the heavy hand of discipline or make calls about missing library books is nice. Being the person students, parents, and teachers feel comfortable going to has some serious advantages that should not be squandered. As school counselors, we need to use our unique position and relationships to better our schools and communities. There’s likely no one else that can make such an impact.
Amanda Bender is a school counselor at Lead-Deadwood Elementary School. Contact her at Amanda.Bender@k12.sd.us.
Consider parents – they are a school’s first interaction with the community. Nearly every adult a parent interacts with in the school setting has an air of authority. Think about it. What parent doesn’t hold their breath when they see a call from the school? The principal and teachers have countless rules and expectations, and even the librarian is tracking whether that missing library book has been found yet. School counselors, on the other hand, have the joyous advantage of an even playing field; we are here to help. You are able to offer yourself as a teammate, someone who is on the parent’s side. This unique position can be utilized to mediate between parents and teacher or build a relationship with a parent who previously had not seen the importance of school.
Beyond the rapport with parents, school counselors can reach out to the broader community. In some ways, reaching out to the community falls right into what we see as the role of the school counselor: knowing the community resources for referrals or inviting stakeholders to be part of your advisory committee. Being aware of community resources and building relationships with these individuals or organizations can help you make big things happen for your school. School counselors see a broader scope of individual and community needs; that’s yet another reason to take your role as advocate seriously.
Sure, not having to be the heavy hand of discipline or make calls about missing library books is nice. Being the person students, parents, and teachers feel comfortable going to has some serious advantages that should not be squandered. As school counselors, we need to use our unique position and relationships to better our schools and communities. There’s likely no one else that can make such an impact.
Amanda Bender is a school counselor at Lead-Deadwood Elementary School. Contact her at Amanda.Bender@k12.sd.us.