Featured Finalist: Annie Goldberg, ACSC
Annie Goldberg, ACSC,, school counselor at Broadview Middle School, in Burlington, N.C., is a 2026 School Counselor of the Year® finalist. She has been a school counselor since 2017. Broadview Middle School, RAMP® school, serves 513 students, grades 6–8.
“Anne Goldberg is the type of school counselor every school dreams of having – compassionate, strategic, forward-thinking and wholly invested in the success of each student,” said Nicole Lancaster, principal, Broadview Middle School. “Her work embodies the very best of what school counseling can be, and her leadership has had a ripple effect that will benefit our school community for years to come.” Read more about Annie.
What Makes Annie Tick?
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be either a therapist or a teacher.
What’s one goal you have for your school counseling program next year?
I want to work to decrease the number of multilingual learner students who fail two or more core classes. I also want to continue to decrease our absenteeism rate.
If you could have an unlimited supply of anything for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Time – I would love the ability to give everything that’s important to me all the time and focus it deserves every day.
How would you describe your job to a 5 year old?
I’m a safe person for students to talk to when they are sad, mad, frustrated or have any other big feeling. I help students do their best in school and teach them about jobs they might want to have one day.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can quote a line from the TV show “The Office” in just about any situation.
What’s one important skill you think everyone should have?
Empathy – it’s a vital contributor to everyone feeling supported, needed and heard. The ability to understand different perspectives and approach situations with compassion are foundational to building community.
What could you talk about for 30 minutes with no notes?
Either books I've enjoyed reading or how much I love dogs and the countless benefits that come along with owning them.
How did you get into school counseling?
I found school counseling through a research position in college. I already knew I loved working with kids and wanted to contribute to the education field in some way but wanted a position that was more individualized with students. The professor overseeing the lab I was working in coordinated a shadowing experience for me with a local school counselor, and I knew I found my career path. I loved watching her coordinate services, build relationships and act as a resource for everyone in the building. I believe very strongly in the impact education can have on a student's life, but there are also very real systemic and societal barriers to access for some. I knew school counseling was for me when I could dedicate myself to working to remove these barriers.