When considering my philosophical view on school counseling; two areas come to mind. First, my understanding of the role of the school counselor, and secondly, the view I hold of students. My knowledge of the unique role of a school counselor has been shaped greatly by DePaul's graduate program and has continually expanded through my internship experience and professional career. With the constant growth and evolution of the field, what has remained constant is my desire and commitment to helping students reach their maximum potential. Though this may look vastly different for each student as they define success in their own lives, what I hope will stand true for each of them is the following:
According to the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors (2019), that all school counselors should have, school counselors should believe every student can learn, and every student can succeed. This is the basis for all work with students. Furthermore, I believe that all students have unique assets to the school environment and are fully capable of achieving their potential if given appropriate resources and opportunities. All students have the right to a safe and nurturing school environment where student achievement is supported and enhanced through a comprehensive school counseling program. I believe all students have the right to have a professional school counselor and high quality educators.
As my wonderful internship supervisor and now friend Brian Coleman would say, every student is unique. They each have something that makes them special, that makes them a meaningful member in our society. The world needs them! My hope is that if my school counseling program does nothing else, it teaches students that their life is so valuable to this world.
- They believe in the development of their whole self, including a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being
- They feel encouraged to become active members of their future school, work, and personal communities, able to use their personal gifts and abilities to their fullest to achieve high-quality results and outcomes
- They are equipped to be leaders within their communities, using their cultural awareness, sensitivity and responsiveness to advocate for self and others
According to the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors (2019), that all school counselors should have, school counselors should believe every student can learn, and every student can succeed. This is the basis for all work with students. Furthermore, I believe that all students have unique assets to the school environment and are fully capable of achieving their potential if given appropriate resources and opportunities. All students have the right to a safe and nurturing school environment where student achievement is supported and enhanced through a comprehensive school counseling program. I believe all students have the right to have a professional school counselor and high quality educators.
As my wonderful internship supervisor and now friend Brian Coleman would say, every student is unique. They each have something that makes them special, that makes them a meaningful member in our society. The world needs them! My hope is that if my school counseling program does nothing else, it teaches students that their life is so valuable to this world.