School counselors work in elementary, middle and high schools across the United States with the profession continuing to expand into many countries throughout the world.
This time last year I was on sabbatical in the Philippines teaching school counseling courses at De La Salle University in Manila. Whether I was working with graduate students or engaging in consultant work with professionals who were already employed as school counselors, the passion they had for the profession was very evident. School counselors from half a world away care as much for their students in a developing country with fewer resources, as the professionals I come in contact with here in the Four-States.
“Celebrate School Counseling” is this year’s theme in honor of National School Counseling Week Feb. 1-5, being promoted by the American School Counselor Association. After having been in the counseling profession for going on 27 years now, I have had plenty of opportunities to reflect on the reasons to celebrate the field and the work school counselors do on a day-to-day basis.
School counselors work tirelessly as student advocates in assisting them with personal/social, academic and career concerns. These professionals utilize leadership skills, collaboration and teaming with student achievement being a major focus. According to Stone & Dahir (2007), 21st century school counseling programs are in a proactive and pivotal position to effectively demonstrate how the complement of academic rigor and affective development is the formula to student success.
Please join me in recognizing our area school counselors for the great work they do on behalf of the young people in our communities! When I think about their hard work and positive efforts, it gives me reason to express my gratitude and to “Celebrate School Counseling” with them during this week of recognition.
Becky S. Brannock, Ph.D., LPC, is a professor in the psychology and counseling department and director of school counseling program at Pittsburg State University.
