Lindsay Natoli
Starmount Academy of Excellence

One of the main ways that I advocate for the counseling profession is through data. We use data to advocate for what our needs are. I frequently meet with our administration to discuss the needs of the school and how we are going to meet the needs. For example, once our Panorama data came out, our SS PLC team met to dissect the data and come up with a plan for our lowest area which was self-management. We worked together to identify students and also plan what we were going to do with these students. We were able to advocate for our time as school counselors and explain that we needed to be able to have time to run groups, do classroom lessons, and meet with students individually. Because of this advocacy we are able to really give students what they need. 

Angeline Walker
South Academy of International Languages

One of the leadership qualities I possess that allows me to promote systemic change is that of advocate. Advocacy falls squarely into the realm of leadership. In the last three years especially, I have used data to identify marginalized or underserved subgroups of students within my school community. I have collaborated with stakeholders, like Thompson Family Focus, to plan and implement programs that remove barriers to those students' success. As my school counseling team's department chair, I facilitate bi-monthly SSPLC meetings to review and discuss data that could offer reasons for gaps in the learning of all students, especially those identified as marginalized. Upon analyzing data, we plan, develop, and execute activities that fill those gaps and provide equitable access to learning. Additionally, I advocate for systemic change that promotes student success by sharing data with teachers, administrators, and other relevant stakeholders. 

Lauri McDaniels
Charlotte Early Engineering College

I feel blessed daily to be in the profession that I am. I think visibility of the school counselor is essential. If students don't know who I am and what I do then they either assume I'm pulling them for consequences or they pigeon hole me as the online sign-up lady. I start with 8th graders once they are in my program ensuring they know what school counselors do. I use Naviance lessons to help them understand why I value the work they are getting ready to do over the next four-five years, and I strive to help them make information a vital part of their decision making process. I spend my mornings/class change in the hallways greeting students, asking them about their weekends, checking in on classes and making sure they know who Mrs. McDaniels is. I had to really evaluate my use of time with my ASCA calendar and I created a Google Appointment calendar that allows students to book their times with me. It allows me to start my day knowing who will be coming, while also being prepared for a crisis. I can build blocks in my schedule to get things done that need continued focus.