Counselor's Corner: Why Middle School Counselors?
Miss Scharona O. Grimsley
334-585-2185 ext. 120
Why Middle School Counselors?
Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team member with school staff, parents and the community to create a caring, supportive climate and atmosphere whereby young adolescents can achieve academic success. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional middle school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership is encouraged as it enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.
Middle School Counselors Implement the Counseling Program by Providing:
School
Guidance Curriculum
Academic skills support
Organizational, study and test-taking skills
Education in understanding self and others
Coping strategies
Peer relationships and effective social skills
Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution
Career awareness, exploration and planning
Substance abuse education
Multicultural/diversity awareness
Individual
Student Planning
Goal-setting/decision- making
Academic planning
Career planning
Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
Transition planning
Responsive
Services
Individual and small group counseling
Individual/family/school crisis intervention
Peer facilitation
Consultation/collaboration
Referrals
System Support
Professional development
Consultation, collaboration and teaming
Program management and operation
Middle School Counselors Collaborate With:
Parents
Parent information night
Communication/networking
Academic planning programs
Parent and family education
One-on-one parent conferencing
Assessment results interpretation
Resource referrals
College/career exploration
Teachers
Career portfolio development
Assistance with students’ academic plans
Classroom guidance activities on study skills, career development, etc.
Academic support, learning style assessment and education to help students
succeed academically
Classroom career speakers
At-risk student identification and implementation of interventions to enhance
success
Parent communication/education
Administrators
School climate
Behavioral management plans
School-wide needs assessment
Student data and results
Student assistance team building
Leadership
Students
Peer education
Peer support
Academic support
School climate
Leadership development
Community
Job shadowing, service learning
Crisis interventions
Referrals
Parenting classes
Support groups
Career education