Blog 4 - Nakia Eckert

As I read and reflected on Chapter 5, I couldn’t help but think about how lucky we are to be entering into this profession at this time of change and innovation. Yes, I know that today’s educational system can be considered by many to be “going down the tubes”, but it is more uplifting to look at it under the lens that it is simply shifting and molding for the future. To be involved in something during a time of change and upheaval is really a masked opportunity to affect change and growth within your organization. The more that we work to document our successes and become integral parts of our school systems the “safer” (for lack of a better word) we will be from some of the drastic job cuts and other sorts of employment upheavals that have plagued our schools over the last 5 years. I also feel fortunate to be entering this profession with a concrete framework of what school counselors are charged with professionally (job description, resources, etc.) and templates for tracking our progress in all aspects of our jobs. As much as I am not a numbers-driven person, I am beginning to recognize the importance of tracking and analyzing data that will be used to support the guidance programs as well as help us keep our jobs from year to year. Not having solid data to justify why your position is vital to the school and community can be a professional death sentence.

I also feel very passionately about the need to remain current with your profession. It was shocking to hear Angela talk about the school counselor who, in 28 years, did not seem to have remained up-to-date with the profession’s changes. Think about how different things were 28 years ago (technology, college admissions, etc.)! Not staying up-to-date with changing trends in your profession is irresponsible, both to yourself and to the integrity of the profession, but to the students you serve and the community at large. There are ample opportunities for school counselors to attend workshops and presentations close to home for free or a reduced price. Even something as simple as attending a monthly meeting with other counselors can help you stay current with what is going on within your community. “Today’s school counselors have challenges ahead of them. They must remain current with their profession, and this means being committed enough to the profession to be an active, involved member of the professional association. It is through active involvement that members remain true to their life vocation, the calling to work effectively with children and families in schools” (Dollarhide & Saginak, 2012, p. 75).

 

Dollarhide, C.T., & Saginak, K.A. (2012). Comprehensive school counseling programs (2nd

Ed.). New York: Pearson, Inc.