Blog # 1

The first thing to really catch my eye that shows the stigma that school counselors sometimes  get is the case study on page one of the first chapter. When asked why the teacher wanted to become a school counselor, she answered almost mockingly. In no way did her answer address the reason why school counselor have the training they do or the passion for the job. I realize that this is just one case study but in all honesty there might be school counselors out there that are burnt out teachers and think a counselor’s job is easier and less involved. There could also be school counselors that are not in line with ASCA or the national standards.

The quote on page four of our text states that the perception is that teachers make the best school counselors, and while I can see that as a natural projection, not everyone is suited to be a school counselor. There are pros and cons to being a teacher previously and to not having any experience in a school setting.

“ If you pick up a book, open it to the middle, and begin reading, you will get to the end of the book never truly understanding the relationship among characters, the true depth of the story, or the journey of the main character”, (Dollarhide & Saginak, 2012 p. 11). The point is that there are no taking short cuts when interacting with kids and teens. You have to ask questions and get to know the students along with teachers and administrators. Everyone is connected in the role that they play in a school setting and in life in general. Taking the time and hearing what the students are saying or not saying is so important to being a successful school counselor. It is important that all the classes that we have taken thus far in the program stress about qualities of a school counselor and how we can become great school counselors. I, for one would not like the women in the case study to become a school counselor. Her outlook and demeanor would in no way enhance my children’s lives in school and that is something I have to think about, my girls are going to be starting school in the next couple of years and I want them to remember at least one of their school counselors, because they had a positive impact in their lives.

I am a little overwhelmed with all the knowledge I feel as though  do not know but I also realize that this class plays a big part in connecting the classes I have had this far in the program and I look forward to the things I will learn.

 

Dollarhide, C.T., & Saginak, K.A. (2012). Comprehensive school counseling programs (2nd Ed.). New York: Pearson, Inc.