The Role of the Professional School Counselor
As Professional School Counselors, we work with students on an individual basis, in small groups and in their classrooms. The focus of the counseling program is on academic skills, career awareness, and personal/social skills. We also attend parent-teacher conferences at the request of the parent/guardian or teacher, as our schedule allows.
Here are some reasons students might want to talk to the School Counselor:
As Professional School Counselors, we work with students on an individual basis, in small groups and in their classrooms. The focus of the counseling program is on academic skills, career awareness, and personal/social skills. We also attend parent-teacher conferences at the request of the parent/guardian or teacher, as our schedule allows.
- Classroom Lessons
Middle school counselors teach lessons in the classroom around mindsets and behaviors that lead to successful students. Topics include organization skills, making friends, coping with emotions and decision making skills, to name a few. These lessons vary by grade level and are scheduled with classroom teachers as needed. - Individual Counseling
School counselors work with one-on-one with students with their individual counseling needs. Students may refer themselves or can be referred by a parent or teacher. If long term counseling is needed, the school counselor can help families seek the appropriate resources.
- Small Group Counseling
The school counselor may meet with small groups of 4-8 students around a common topic. Together with the counselor students learn to improve academic skills, manage feelings, build positive relationships and more. Groups are determined based on student needs and are offered ongoing as appropriate.
- Parent and Teacher Consultation
Collaboration is essential for student success. The school counselor frequently meets with students' teachers for goal setting and problem solving. The school counselor also works with parents to develop strategies and positive support systems so student can thrive at school and home.
Here are some reasons students might want to talk to the School Counselor:
- "I had an argument with my best friend and she doesn't want to be my friend anymore."
- "Some kids in my science class are talking about fighting after school."
- "My parents argue all the time and I don't know what to do."
- "My grandfather is really sick and I'm scared he's going to die."
- "My mom just had a baby and she doesn't have time for me anymore."
- "We're moving again!"
- "My dad wants me to be an engineer like him, but I want to be a pilot."
- "This is John's third school this year, and he's having difficulty adjusting."
- "My husband is being deployed in two weeks and Carolyn may need some help coping with this change."
- "Sam used to be excited about school, but lately he doesn't seem to care."
- "My wife and I recently separated and our daughter could use some help understanding this."
- "My son seems to be the target of some teasing and bullying after school. Can you help?