Great Counselors Amplify Student Success

One way that school counselors amplify students’ success is by embedding college and career readiness into everyday conversations—starting in elementary school and deepening the dialogue through middle and high school. They help students connect classroom learning to future possibilities, including college, internships, military, and direct workforce entry. In the early grades, they focus on career exposure. In the middle grades, they help students explore. In high school, they make connections so that students get experiences outside of the classroom walls, such as college visits and work-based learning. 

Great counselors help students to uncover their interests, strengths, and values. They align the outcomes of student assessment data with the course selection process and long-term goal setting. They create a through line for student success from academics to postsecondary plans. They amplify student voice and student success by providing a platform for self-discovery, personal reflection, and future planning. 

Great Counselors Amplify Themselves

Great school counselors amplify their own success by staying current on the practice of counseling, studying trends in counseling programs, and using standards to reflect on their work. They pursue professional development beyond the day-to-day urgency of their role. 

They boost their impact by collaborating with teachers and administrators and working with families regarding their students’ educational and personal needs. Great counselors tell their story and advocate for expanded programs, such as access to social and emotional learning curriculum, financial literacy lessons, career academies, and dual enrollment courses. They translate their strength into action for student success and well-being. 

Great Counselors Build Programs That Work

School counseling programs amplify student success by prioritizing programs that support all students in school and beyond. They’re not just responding to the everyday needs of students but rather building systems that link education with opportunities in life. They create comprehensive programs aligned to standards that uniquely address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. 

Great counselors plan intentionally using data, including teacher reported grades, student assessments, standardized tests, surveys, and more. They build after school programs and community partnerships to help students thrive. They know that supports and services are required for a holistic approach. 

Great Counselors Create Systems of Support

School systems amplify student success when they make counseling a priority. They create structures for focused advising, academic planning, and opportunities outside of the classroom for students to learn about themselves and the world.

The best systems balance staffing ratios for individual and small-group student time, integrate counselors into leadership teams, provide tools like career assessments, college platforms, and other resources for K–12 use. District-wide alignment for counselors and counseling programs take any one school’s initiative to a new level.

Great Counselors Work Side-By-Side with Families

Great counselors understand that family involvement is central to student success in schools. They keep families informed and included by consistently sharing news and updates and by hosting events and family nights to bring everyone together. 

Great counselors know that two-way communication for students at every level is critical. From take-home folders to text messaging systems, they keep the lines of communication open and easy to use. Counselors are often the hub of resources for families and the community, and they frequently play a role beyond school when special circumstances arise. 

Conclusion 

We celebrate counselors at every level. Despite the fact that they’re often burdened with large caseloads and administrative duties, they amplify student success and the success of the school, the district, and the families they serve. We hope that you’ll join us this week and every week to congratulate and recognize school counselors everywhere. 

Take the time to thank a school counselor you know!