President’s Letter: Stay Calm and Use Your Training

Welcome back to the start of what will be a great but strange year. I hope all of you were able to get some well-deserved rest and are taking time for self-care. In the midst of the unknown, school counselors are heavily relied upon to provide the calm for everyone in the building. This can be incredibly exhausting for us! Be sure to take a moment for self-care as you get school started, however that may look.

While this is a difficult time for everyone, the need for students get back to learning and process through trauma due to the pandemic and the results of the pandemic is at the top of our list. This is how our specific training and skills will make a positive impact on every student. Many people recognize the positive whole-child impact school counselors make; however, you and I both know that some teachers, parents, administrators and even legislators still see us as “guidance counselors” from days of old. The pandemic has opened many eyes to the power and impact of school counselors. This is the time to continue to enhance your advocacy for your program. This is the time to use data to show the impact – people are listening and we need to make sure we have something to say.

We hope you enjoy this issue of the newsletter focused on growing your program. And if you need more support, be sure to go to our website for resources – including great information from TEA and ASCA on continuing your comprehensive school counseling program during a pandemic. Stay safe, take care of yourself and have a wonderful school year.