Can I See the School Counselor? | Tallahassee.com Community Blogs

The Elemenatry School Counselor ? formerly known as the Guidance Counselor has at least six major responsibilities. These responsibilities may include individual or group counseling, ?teaching classes as a part of Special Area, Referral Coordinating, ESOL/ELL Coordinating, Gifted Coordinating, Bullying Reporting, and the weekly meetings, etc.?Depending on the size of your child?s school one person may be responsible for all of these really important tasks.

School Counselors at best had the desire somewhere in their lives to help children deal with school, life, and all that growing up in this world can offer. When I recall my favorite counselor Ms. Bliss (what a perfect name for a counselor) she had such a positive impact on my life. Facing many family issues on a regular basis at home for years was beginning to wear on my ability to make the cut for the Jr. Beta Club. I was losing my ability to function in my private life, which I had no control of, and losing control of my school life all together. Falling asleep in English everyday, the teacher sent me to see the counselor. I sat in her office and cried for hours, until she patiently waited for me to reveal my pain.

Working with children in this capacity is a double edge sword because you must intentionally know your students, their families when you can, and their teachers. But today, counselors are overwhelmed with paperwork, which keeps us from doing the human contact side of our jobs. In addition to this, ?we must have a working relationship with the the school?s social worker in order to meet the needs of the student?s and their families. Not so much for providing toys or dinners for the holidays, but for getting necessary medical coverage for dental care or in home counseling for a student and their family.

Character Education is a priority for most Elementary Counselors and the responsibilities really change in middle and high school for your students and their counselors. Character Education is a series of lessons that are promoted and taught to the children. These are characteristics we want our children to know and display to become positive productive citizens.

Make an appointment to meet the counselor and learn what he or she can do to make your child?s educational experience a positive one.

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