V
irginia
C
apitol
C
onnections
, S
ummer
2014
9
Many people I encounter seem to have
a story like this one: “When I was in high
school, my guidance counselor told me I
would never have a career in ____.” Fill
in the blank with any career you choose. I
also hear, “My guidance counselor told me
I would never graduate from college.” It is
no wonder that many in my profession work
tirelessly today to distance ourselves from
the term “guidance counselor.” Guidance
counselors of the past were not always
required to hold degrees in counseling,
some were teachers who had extra blocks in their schedules and
dispensed advice without any training. Guidance counselors did not
have standards and were not asked to show data. While many were
well-intentioned, far too many picked and chose which students to
push towards higher education or to even meet with at all. I share this
to say that the counselors who work in schools in 2014 are not the
guidance counselors referenced above.
Today’s School Counselors run comprehensive, data-driven
programs based on a national model and standards from The
American School Counselor Association. We are required to hold
a master’s degree in school counseling. We believe in educating all
students about college and career readiness from pre-kindergarten
through high school. We are focused on the academic and personal/
emotional needs as well as the developmental needs of all students.
We collaborate with other educational stakeholders such as parents,
teachers, administration and the community to build and strengthen
our school counseling programs. And, while we do help guide
students, it is merely a function of our delivery system.
Too often school counselors are viewed as dispensable in schools.
It is thought that counselors are just sitting in their offices waiting
for students with “problems” to come to them. Again, maybe this
is how guidance counselors unfortunately operated. Today’s school
counselors align their mission statements with those of the school and
district as a whole. Today’s school counselors are proactive in their
agendas having students complete needs assessments and basing
class lessons, small group counseling, and individual counseling
off of the results. Today’s school counselors proactively educate
school communities on bullying prevention, suicide awareness, and
character education. Today’s school counselors are an integral part
of creating the school’s culture and of the school community as a
whole.
School counselors are grateful to the legislators who understand
our roles and howwe contribute to student success. In a recent letter to
school officials,ArneDuncan, Secretary of Education, wrote, “School
counselors are often the vital link between students’ aspirations for
the future and tangible opportunities for postsecondary success. They
are also particularly important for our neediest students, who require
expert and accessible guidance as they navigate a challenging and
complicated college admissions and career preparation landscape.”
Secretary Duncan went on to say, “Despite the critical role school
counselors play in supporting students’ college and career readiness,
they often are asked to perform many ‘non-counseling’ duties that
can distract from their core work and ultimately leave students
without the individualized attention they need to complete their
academic course work, successfully navigate the college admissions
and financial aid processes, and/or prepare for productive careers.
Increasing the number of students who graduate from high school
ready for college and careers requires that all students benefit from
a holistic support system that ensures consistent access to effective
school counselors.”
The Virginia School Counselor Association urges all of those
who make decisions regarding school counseling, Virginia’s school
children, and/or education as a whole to please keep Secretary
Duncan’s comments in the forefront of his/her mind. We want you to
know that school counselors are working hard for Virginia’s students
and teaching them essential “soft skills,” which many businesses
today request and require, to further their education and to expand
their career options. It is true that today’s school counselors are often
the heart of the school, but that heart guides students in a skilled and
measured manner using data, expertise and collaboration to educate
the whole child.
Jenny Hubler, president of The Virginia School Counselor
Association, is a school counselor in Henrico County and can be
reached at
.
School Counselors
By Jenny Hubler
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