APRIL 2024 |
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U-32 Middle/High School Washington Central Unified School District |
What influenced you to become a school counselor? I grew up in a household of educators, and I knew that I would end up working with youth in some capacity. I spent my middle and high school years volunteering in my mothers kindergarten classroom at the end of my school day, coaching youth sports, and working as a whitewater raft guide in the summers. After college I worked in a number of different industries, and eventually found myself as a Literacy Aide in a K-2 elementary school and coaching high school soccer. My first couple of years in education I was a bit unsure of exactly where I wanted to land, and now in year nine as a school counselor I think I made the right choice! What's your favorite part about being a school counselor? My favorite part about being a school counselor is that no two days are the same, and I know that I will never be bored in this role. I really enjoy seeing students grow over the course of their time here at U-32, and I’m always learning new things along the way. While there are definitely some days that are difficult, I know that the work we are doing is so important. I also love my school community, and have an amazing department that supports each other. There is definitely no shortage of laughter around the Student Services office. How does the ASCA student standards (Mindsets and Behaviors) inform your work as a school counselor? The ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors definitely guide our work here at U-32, and we do our best to have a well rounded counseling program. A number of years back we looked at the process of becoming a RAMP school, and worked on ways to improve our program for all students. I know that there will always be new things to learn, and the ASCA standards guide the professional development opportunities that I pursue. | What’s unique about your school community? One thing that stands out is that everyone here goes by their first name, administrators included. Additionally, here are a few things that are unique at U-32 that I really value, and our counseling department plays a role in each. The first is our Teacher Advisory (TA) program where groups of 8-10 students are assigned an adult “TA” who they meet with every morning from 7th-12th grade. The counseling department does regular training with our adult TAs to help them build community with Restorative Practices, help their students develop executive functioning skills during extended TA time each week. We also train all new hires each August in Restorative Practices as part of a two day training (Intro to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively). Additionally we have an “Adopt a Counselor” model here in the high school, where 8th grade students get to choose who they think would be the best fit as their high school counselor. The four high school counselors teach weekly lessons in the middle school so that in addition to learning the content, they also get to know each of us and who they think would be the best fit. What do you see as a top priority for VTSCA? I think a top priority for VTSCA is advocating for our role at the state level. I really appreciate all the work that has been done on the Vermont School Counselor Comprehensive Model, as counselors around the state can share the model with their school and local communities to make sure their school is appropriately staffed, and that counselors are working within the scope of our training. I appreciate the advocacy and professional development opportunities that VTSCA has done more recently, and I hope that this momentum will continue. What are some of your favorite resources? I have personally benefited greatly from the support of the Washington County Restorative Practitioners in Schools group that meets each month, as well as the wealth of knowledge and experience from my colleagues here at U-32. I have also enjoyed the classes I’ve taken through the International Institute for Restorative Practices, and ended up completing my certificate in RP. I also learn a lot each day from the students, teachers, and staff here at U-32, and I love the fact we have such a supportive community. |
MARCH 2024
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What influenced you to become a school counselor? My journey into school counseling was deeply influenced by my experiences as a teacher, particularly the meaningful one-on-one interactions I had with students. My passion for connecting with and supporting students on multiple levels, including social, emotional, behavioral, and academic, naturally led me to pursue a career as a school counselor. My background in education provided a solid foundation for understanding students' needs and helping them navigate their educational journey beyond the classroom. My desire to make a difference in students' lives continues to drive my work as a school counselor. What's your favorite part about being a school counselor? My favorite part of being a school counselor is working with all students. My passion for working with students is the joy I find in their energy, creativity, humor and curiosity. My role as an advocate for students, especially as they navigate finding their voice and path, is crucial in helping them develop into confident and capable individuals. I enjoy the time I spend with my students. Building positive relationships based on care and trust is key to fostering an environment where students feel supported and empowered to tackle challenges and plan for their future. How does the ASCA student standards (Mindsets and Behaviors) inform your work as a school counselor? The ASCA (American School Counselor Association) Mindsets and Behaviors standards provide a comprehensive framework for the work of school counselors, guiding their efforts in supporting students' academic, career, and social/emotional development. As a school counselor, I recognize the importance of creating an environment that promotes equity and access for all students. The ASCA standards help inform my practice by providing research-based guidelines and best practices that align with my commitment to student achievement and well-being. By using the ASCA Mindsets and Behaviors standards, I can ensure that the interventions and programs are grounded in evidence-based strategies that address the diverse needs of your student population. These standards also empower me to advocate for systemic changes within the school community that promote inclusivity and support the success of all students. Overall, integrating the ASCA standards into my work allows me to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, implement targeted interventions, and measure outcomes to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. What’s unique about your school community? The Burlington community exhibits a remarkable dedication to education and a commitment to supporting its diverse student population. One notable aspect is the collective effort to overcome challenges, such as the closure of Burlington High School due to PCB contamination, and the subsequent innovative approach to education by relocating to a renovated Macy's building. This demonstrates resilience, adaptability, and a shared determination to provide students with a safe and conducive learning environment, despite setbacks. Furthermore, the commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in the community's efforts to ensure representation among educators, school leaders, and district staff. This commitment reflects a recognition of the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences in enriching the educational experience for all students. The priorities outlined in the BSD Strategic Plan, including belonging and well-being, deeper learning opportunities, and relationship-based communities through restorative practices, underscore a holistic approach to education that prioritizes the overall development and success of every student. The excitement and anticipation surrounding the upcoming opening of the new High School and Technical Center in 2025 highlight the community's eagerness for continued growth and innovation in education. This new facility promises enhanced learning opportunities and resources, further enriching the educational experience for students. Overall, the unique combination of community support, resilience, commitment to diversity, and innovative approaches to education make the Burlington community a truly special and inspiring place for students to learn and grow. | What do you see as a top priority for VTSCA? As a top priority for the Vermont School Counselor Association (VTSCA), ongoing professional development is essential to ensure that school counselors have access to the latest research, best practices, and resources to effectively support students. Professional development opportunities can cover a wide range of topics, including new counseling techniques, emerging issues in education and mental health, cultural competence, technology integration, and advocacy skills. By staying current and continuously improving their skills, school counselors can better meet the diverse needs of students and contribute to positive outcomes in their schools and communities. Additionally, fostering a welcoming and inclusive community within VTSCA is crucial for supporting collaboration, sharing of ideas, and mutual support among school counselors across the state. Celebrating diversity, recognizing the unique contributions of each member, and creating spaces for networking and connection can help build a strong sense of community and promote professional growth and well-being among members. In summary, prioritizing ongoing professional development and maintaining a supportive and inclusive community are key initiatives for VTSCA to empower school counselors in Vermont to excel in their roles and make a positive impact on the lives of students. I believe VTSCA does an amazing job in both of these areas! What are some of your favorite resources? I have many favorite resources. The resources I access the most are professional development opportunities through VTSCA, ASCA and NEACAC. I find these organizations offer a wealth of resources, training opportunities, and networking events for school counselors. Additionally, my colleagues are amazing. They are an excellent source of support, advice, and collaboration. Whether through formal professional learning communities, informal discussions, or mentoring relationships, my colleagues offer valuable insights, share strategies, and provide encouragement as I navigate the challenges and opportunities of my role as a school counselor. I love to read as well. Two books that continue to resonate with me are: Think Again by Adam Grant Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Some Shine by Michelle Borba |
FEBRUARY 2024 |
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What influenced you to become a school counselor? That’s an interesting question. The reasons I became a school counselor some 25 years ago are far different than what keeps me excited about it now. Back then my thinking was quite practical. I had just left the outdoor industry and had an undergrad in Philosophy; not much to work with. As I considered my options I thought about my skills and interests plus what was available to me in terms of training. School counseling seemed like a good fit and I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out. How does the ASCA student standards (Mindsets and Behaviors) inform your work as a school counselor? How do I put this? I would say the ASCA standards are embedded in our work, but our work is not driven by them. Last year we did an audit of our practices and how they aligned with the Mindsets and Behaviors (which, honestly, we weren’t aware of) and found that our work is pretty closely aligned with the standards. When you prioritize what students need and what is in their best interests it’s not surprising that we ended up in the same place. What are some of your favorite resources? The humans I work with are the best resource. My fellow counselors, teachers, administrators, custodians, paras, librarians, parents, and certainly students all contribute to my learning and growth on a daily basis. I remember more than 20 years ago I was at a regional meeting of school counselors and one guy said a student came to his office that day at a most inopportune time, he was juggling a million things…like we all do every day, and was not feeling it at that moment. However, he stopped, listened, and ended up having a really important conversation with that student. As someone who has a lot of balls in the air all the time, I have to remind myself of that regularly. It’s a hard job and not always fun, but the students are why we are here. Take the time, it’s important, for them and for you. | What's your favorite part about being a school counselor? There is so much I love about this profession. Working with high school students is just awesome. They are interesting, interested, smart, funny, resilient, tragic, no day is ever the same. There is always something new to learn. One would think after 25 years it would all look the same, but that is far from the case. Students are different, schools are different, families are different, the landscape is constantly changing and I have had to change with it, which is a tremendous gift. It’s also great to be surrounded by really smart, thoughtful, committed people. My colleagues are the best. What’s unique about your school community? Community is the key word. Our motto is Excellence and Equity in a climate of Respect, Responsibility, and Pride. Community permeates everything we do at CHS and it is palpable. Visitors always leave saying they feel the strength of our community. What do you see as a top priority for VTSCA? I was excited to sign up for the AI workshop last week. I think ongoing, relevant, PD opportunities that keep us in tune with the current realities of our students. |
December 2023
| Bob Hall (he/him)Colchester High School |
What influenced you to become a school counselor? That’s an interesting question. The reasons I became a school counselor some 25 years ago are far different than what keeps me excited about it now. Back then my thinking was quite practical. I had just left the outdoor industry and had an undergrad in Philosophy; not much to work with. As I considered my options I thought about my skills and interests plus what was available to me in terms of training. School counseling seemed like a good fit and I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out. How does the ASCA student standards (Mindsets and Behaviors) inform your work as a school counselor? How do I put this? I would say the ASCA standards are embedded in our work, but our work is not driven by them. Last year we did an audit of our practices and how they aligned with the Mindsets and Behaviors (which, honestly, we weren’t aware of) and found that our work is pretty closely aligned with the standards. When you prioritize what students need and what is in their best interests it’s not surprising that we ended up in the same place. What are some of your favorite resources? The humans I work with are the best resource. My fellow counselors, teachers, administrators, custodians, paras, librarians, parents, and certainly students all contribute to my learning and growth on a daily basis. I remember more than 20 years ago I was at a regional meeting of school counselors and one guy said a student came to his office that day at a most inopportune time, he was juggling a million things…like we all do every day, and was not feeling it at that moment. However, he stopped, listened, and ended up having a really important conversation with that student. As someone who has a lot of balls in the air all the time, I have to remind myself of that regularly. It’s a hard job and not always fun, but the students are why we are here. Take the time, it’s important, for them and for you. | What's your favorite part about being a school counselor? There is so much I love about this profession. Working with high school students is just awesome. They are interesting, interested, smart, funny, resilient, tragic, no day is ever the same. There is always something new to learn. One would think after 25 years it would all look the same, but that is far from the case. Students are different, schools are different, families are different, the landscape is constantly changing and I have had to change with it, which is a tremendous gift. It’s also great to be surrounded by really smart, thoughtful, committed people. My colleagues are the best. What’s unique about your school community? Community is the key word. Our motto is Excellence and Equity in a climate of Respect, Responsibility, and Pride. Community permeates everything we do at CHS and it is palpable. Visitors always leave saying they feel the strength of our community. What do you see as a top priority for VTSCA? I was excited to sign up for the AI workshop last week. I think ongoing, relevant, PD opportunities that keep us in tune with the current realities of our students. |
NOVEmber 2023 |
Moira Farnsworth (she/her)Riverside Middle School Springfield School District |
What influenced you to become a school counselor? I’ve always been drawn to human services and helping professions and went on to study psychology after high school. After completing my undergraduate degree, I had the chance through my job in mental health, to work in several different school settings with students of different ages and I loved it. I knew I wanted to continue to work with students. I really enjoyed working in schools, but I wasn’t sure which career path to take. A school counselor I knew, and worked with, encouraged me to look into school counseling. Thanks to her guidance and encouragement, I did some research and decided to pursue my masters in school counseling.What is your favorite part about being a school counselor? My favorite part of this work are the connections and relationships that we are able to build with students and families. I also really enjoy the variety of activities and work we are able to do through the three domains: social/emotional, career and academic development. When anyone asks about my job, I can always confidently say that school counseling is never boring- you never know what the day might bring! How does the ASCA student standards (Mindsets and Behaviors) inform your work as a school counselor? For me, the ASCA standards help to ground me and guide my school counseling program. As a school counselor it can be easy to be pulled in so many directions. I always find that the standards are a great place to come back to when I’m feeling scattered or overwhelmed. They help remind me which mindsets, strategies and skills I am working to teach students and show me areas where I need to add or focus more attention. | What’s unique about your school community? Like many schools in Vermont, we are a rural Title 1 school with limited resources trying to meet the numerous and varied needs of our student population. What I think makes our school unique, however, is our strong sense of community. We have an amazing and very cohesive staff, an advisory program that I am really proud of and a school-wide weekly SEL block. We put a lot of effort into community building activities and school traditions that help students to feel like they belong and are connected to school. What do you see as a top priority for VTSCA? I think that advocating for the role of school counselors as well as providing professional development and opportunities for connection and collaboration for Vermont counselors are the top priorities for VTSCA. What are some of your favorite resources? ASCA, and PBIS World are two of my go-to resources. I also really like Overcoming Obstacles and Changing Perspectives curriculums to pull from for SEL lessons. As the solo school counselor in my building, there are many things I don’t love about social media, but I am thankful for the school counseling groups and accounts that can be found on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These are great places to ask questions, gather information and share resources with others doing similar work across the country. Podcasts are another go-to for me. When I’m not relaxing with some true crime, I’ve found that there are many great podcasts out there that relate to school counseling. Some of my current favorites are the Counselor Clique Podcast, Candid Counselors Podcast and Flusterclux with anxiety specialist, Lynn Lyons. Resource List: |
October 2023 |
Jena Hogan (she/her)Mary Hogan Elementary School Addison Central School District |
What influenced you to become a school counselor? I was greatly influenced by my high school counselor who played a pivotal role in my life. She not only helped me navigate the complex social dynamics of high school but also provided invaluable guidance in planning for life after graduation. Her warmth, kindness, support and insights contributed to inspiring me to pursue a career in school counseling, hoping to make a similar positive impact on students' lives.What is your favorite part about being a school counselor? My most favorite part about being a school counselor is the meaningful relationships I build with students and the positive impact we can have on their lives. How does the ASCA student standards (Mindsets and Behaviors) inform your work as a school counselor? The ASCA student standards play a vital role in guiding our program development. They guide classroom instruction, activities brought into group or individual sessions and for assessing students growth and development.They provide a structured framework that ensures our efforts are aligned with best practices in school counseling, ultimately benefiting our students' holistic development. | What’s unique about your school community? One of the distinctive features of our school community is the pronounced socioeconomic diversity, which significantly influences the dynamics within our student body. This diversity brings a range of skills, abilities, experiences and perspectives, creating a unique environment that requires a nuanced approach to support each student and classroom effectively.What do you see as a top priority for VTSCA? I view the top priorities for VTSCA is to serve as an advocate for us, a highly valuable resource, and it creates opportunities for networking and collaboration within our profession through their meetings and annual conference. By fostering these key elements, VTSCA aims to empower school counselors to excel in our roles and provide the best support for our students.What are some of your favorite resources? Some of my favorite resources include VTSCA and ASCA for their valuable professional support, CASEL for its comprehensive approach to social-emotional learning, Teaching Tolerance and stopbullying.gov for important guidance on inclusivity and safety, NIMH for trusted mental health information, and a plethora of websites, books and most especially, the school counselors who I consult and collaborate with, have collectively contributed to my ability to provide the best support for our students. |