Becoming An Effective Professional School Counselor

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In Identifying the skills, dispositions, experiences I have that lead me

to become an effective professional school counselor, several years

ago, as I entered the field of Elementary Education as a teacher, I

noticed a need for effective school counselors right away. There

were so many needs that kids had that were not being met by

teachers, staff, administrators and parents. There was no way they

could find the time in their day to fit that in, and the counseling

sessions were really only for those students who really needed it the

most. Because I was a great listener, very patient and understanding with the kids, I was able to reach quite a number of these students as a student teacher,
I interviewed many young people and found that I had the qualities that a good counselor would need. I was able to connect, be understanding, a good listener, gain valuable background information on the student, and set up a plan. I think a great school counselor will do these things for each student he/she sees.
In the schools today, school counselors can really make a difference in the life of that child in a positive way. If they direct them in the right direction, set up a plan of success and slowly address the concerns, with patience and understanding, the goals can be met. They may not all be met perfectly, but at least the student will have the confidence knowing someone is behind them and they have that person to go to if they ever have questions.
In schools today, I have noticed as a teacher, many students feel left out and alone among their peers. They do not all get along. There is so much pressure on them from parents, teachers and their peers. A school counselor can take the pressure off some and can offer guidance and support to a student in need. That makes a huge difference in a