Philosophy of School Counseling

When I think of a school counselor I think of the word advocate. Which is exactly who a school counselor is. They are advocates for all, and seek justice for the voiceless. School counselors are more than just an opening door to a listening ear. School counselors are teachers, collaborators, advisors, mentors, motivators, leaders, learners, trustworthy and so much more. These are just a handful of things that make a school counselor who they are. School counselors are a guide and light into not only the school but the community surrounding it.

An effective school counselor has some of these following characteristics spirit, integrity, competence, and humility. In order to display a level of leadership and support, student learning and development schools must have a leader to implement these things. Having the ability to both motivate and accurately articulate ideas and needs as well as determine what is necessary for student success; is pivotal in establishing a great school counseling curriculum. School counseling curriculums like this addresses student success and empowerment. School counseling programs in today’s educational system sometimes get lost. What I mean by that is, sometimes school counselors find themselves taking the direction of administrators. The problem with that is; they are then taken away from being directly involved in the day to day counseling and guidance needs of their students. An effective school counselor delivers leadership in student learning and development efficiently and appropriately. The ability to strategically plan, involve students, parents and educators in planning a process addressing specific student needs; are signs of an effective counselor. An effective leader will possess the ability to communicate. Communication is the tool which drives change. It creates initiatives and produces results and it is necessary to the strategic planning process! A school counselor must be able to communicate the needs of their students to a myriad of stakeholders, educators and parents in order to provide the best outcome for the student. Gaining and maintaining respect and trust is necessary to facilitate the creative and meaningful involvement of students, parents and educators. An effective school counselor also has continued education. This includes training and involvement in organizations that focus on correct identification and interventions that will be necessary. It is also the responsibility of the school counselor to develop community programs and support systems to assist in the overall health of individual students. Language and multicultural factors can be a barrier in today’s multicultural classrooms. An effective school counselor will utilize the various translation services that are available in today’s school districts in order to develop a rapport with students and create an environment of trust and honesty. Communication is necessary to establish a positive and helping relationship with the student and family. It is only through positive and accurate communication that the school counselor can develop appropriate intervention strategies that meet the students’ needs. A School counselor must attempt to understand and appreciate the world views as well as the life experiences of different cultures! They must also be aware of their own biases and stereotypes. Training and continued professional development in areas of diversity will be necessary to ensure that the religious/moral/cultural value system of each family represented in the school community is being respected.

Theory of Change

As we know, advocacy is a large component of this role. School counselors have such a huge opportunity and responsibility to be the advocate throughout the school and community. Sometimes they are the only advocates for their students, they are the bridge between both worlds. Advocating for students’ social/emotional, academic, and career needs is just a small part of the job. School Counselors can advocate for proper education for each student that is developmentally appropriate and in a safe learning environment! School counselors can advocate for systemic change! Advocating can make a positive impact to show students that changes can be made if you fight for it! It can also help to inspire the students to begin advocating for themselves in the future. Whether it be with a friend, teacher, or even their parents. Because, school counselors are in a position of leadership. Using this leadership can be used for positive or negative changes. Especially when collaborating with other educators and stakeholders. School counselors model to students how to be a leader! As stated above collaboration is a key! Collaboration with all stakeholders helps to ensure effectiveness of the program for all. It also allows counselors to advocate and implement the program to administration, teachers, and students. Collaboration with parents, teachers and even the community can provide insight to students needs and accommodations. Having a school environment such as this, will change how students view school. It will let students know that their voice is heard, and that they are seen. It will help then feel like they are in control of their life. Giving students a better working safe environment, will initiate change through all. As School Counselors we talk through and on behalf of our students. We are the leaders, we set the example for change. As long as we are leading and guiding with the intent to serve every student, people will follow.

The Role of a School Counselor

I believe the role of a School counselor is an important part of the school environment! Their main goal is to help the students see learning as a positive activity. This in particular entails providing guidance to students. However, I believe the role of a school counselor has changed through the years. This is as a result of the change happening in today's society. Therefore, every counselor needs to be updated so as to be in line with the dynamic society. The role of a school counselor is characterized by a number of responsibilities. Some of these include counseling, problem solving, providing direction, offering advice when needed, cautioning, and discussing emotional and social needs. The role of a counselor also involves ensuring that both the community and the school create a positive learning environment for all students. The counselor is to be involved in coordination of volunteers that would be involved in school events, parent outreach, and sensitizing the families. This helps families understand the importance of education and offers advice on how to care for students at home, to ensure success is realized in school. I believe the role of a school counselor is to be the bridge, a light in every situation presented!

Faith Integration

My faith pushed me to keep the connection between God and his people and God's people with other people. We have a responsibility to give these children a safe place to say how they feel, especially if they have no one at home. When I think of the relationship between School counseling and the Christian faith, I think of a couple scriptures. In Mathew 18:6 it says, “If anyone causes one of these little ones those who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (NIV). God knows how mendable and impressionable Children are, he knows that Children are the future. He looks forward to the things that children can obtain from not only him but from the world. God delights in the upbringing, knowledge and innocence of children. Through my practicum and internships this is what I have seen to be most true in every area. Children are so impressionable, and it's imperative that we train them in the way they should go! In Proverbs 22:6 it says just that, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when they are old, he will not depart from it” (KJV). Children throughout a lifetime will have many teachers or “trainers.” It's our duty as counselors to provide them with a certain type of care that is informational while also showing them love. We must be a light to each child we meet. Even if it is just for a season of their life, we make an impact. Not only are parents influencers, but the people these children come in contact with every day. They are constantly teaching them life lessons. In the Bible when it says train up a child, I feel as though God wasn’t just talking to parents. I feel as though he was talking to everyone who comes in contact with children who have an impact or influence in their life. God desires a relationship with all, in fact we are his children. Although we see ourselves as adults, to God we are always his Children! The things that we desire for our kids, God desires for us always. For the future I plan on letting his light will be shown through me. As long as I am walking in his will, God will make the path. God will make sure that his light is seen, through my actions and the love I will portray to each child. He’ll get the glory. This semester we have discussed the importance of spirituality in our students' lives and how it's not just limited to the clinical setting. Children and adolescents spend a large percentage of their time in schools. To me, it makes sense that many of them will interact with their school counselor more often than even an outside counselor. Ignoring students’ spiritual development issues would not only affect them negatively but also be considered unethical according to the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA, 2010) ethical standards. Spirituality can be considered another aspect of development. It is important to consider how spirituality would impact the school counseling environment. I believe that being able to openly express your faith with each other opens more doors for commonality. It also gives the counselor more cultural insite, for more learning opportunities! Being able to incorporate spirituality, is a huge step into integrating your faith at school. I truly believe that it is possible to do so, without breaching the guidelines.

Statement of Personal Goals

Three goals I would set for my future program is, 1.) build gritty and resilient kids. This goal to me is so important. I feel as though we live now in a time where every kid has to win; or that every kid has to achieve the first time. We can't build gritty and resilient kids if we can't teach kids how to fail first. We must teach kids how to fail, and that failing is okay because you can always try again. If kids win the first time, they feel as though they don't have to try harder the next time. Every kid can't win, but that's how you build resilience. Being able to lose, and bounce back to come back stronger. Then when you feel like you're about to fail, thats where grit comes in. Being able to stand firm and push past the failure. My second goal would be to promote self- awareness and appreciate diversity. This is another pivotal goal for me. Making kids aware of not only yourself, but others around them. Learning about other people’s culture is just as important as knowing your own. You can not connect with people if you are aware of others around you and self. My last goal is to build working relationships with other educational stakeholders to impart success and meet the needs of all the students. Although, my other goals are very pivotal, I believe this one is just as important. It does take a village to raise a child. Building relationships with other educators at the school shows that you are open to receiving help. Also, that they matter in the kids education process, and development. Being a team player is just as important as being a leader, you must be able to do both. It would help not only the students but help your program thrive as well.