Welcome! I'm so glad you're here!
Welcome to the Counselor Connection! Whether you're returning to Colman-Egan or joining us for the first time, I'm excited to have this space where families, staff, and our school community can stay connected throughout the school year.
My name is Whitney Tammen, and I'm excited to begin my second year as the K-12 School Counselor at Colman-Egan. Last year was filled with building relationships, getting to know our students and families, and establishing programs to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. I'm looking forward to continuing that work and building on everything we've started together.
This page was created to help parents, guardians, and staff stay "in the know" about our school counseling program and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Here you'll find information about classroom guidance lessons, monthly SEL themes, resources for families, updates on counseling programs, and ways we can work together to support every student's success.
I chose the name Counselor Connection because I believe strong connections between school, home, and our community make a meaningful difference in students' lives. My goal is to be a resource, an advocate, and a partner for our students and families.
If there's ever a way I can support you, your child, or your family, please don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to another great year together!
** As I continue planning classroom guidance lessons for our school counseling program, Iβd love your input! Your feedback helps me better understand the skills and topics you feel are important for your child(ren) to learn and helps strengthen the connection between school and home.
If you completed this form last year and your responses still reflect the skills and topics you would like your child(ren) to learn about, there is no need to fill it out again. If your thoughts have changed or you would like to update your responses, you are welcome to complete the form again.
This form is completely optional, but your input is always appreciated and helps guide the lessons and support I provide throughout the school year.
Click HEREΒ if you would like to share your input!
Helping students build the skills they need to understand themselves, connect with others, and navigate life's challenges.
Students learn skills related to:
Self-awareness and understanding emotions
Managing emotions and stress
Building confidence and resilience
Empathy and perspective-taking
Healthy relationships and communication
Responsible decision-making
Includes monthly SEL themes, classroom lessons, and resources for students and families.
Supporting students in developing habits and skills that help them succeed in school.
Support includes:
Goal setting and planning
Organization and study skills
Academic check-ins
Course planning and graduation requirements
Academic resources and support
Connecting students with additional resources when needed
My goal is to help students recognize their strengths and develop skills to reach their goals.
Providing a safe space where students can be heard, supported, and connected with resources.
Students may meet with me for support with:
Friendships and relationships
Problem-solving and decision-making
School transitions
Personal goals
Stress and coping strategies
Navigating challenges
Individual counseling focuses on short-term support, skill-building, and connecting students with resources when additional support is needed- including outside counseling resources.
Building important life skills through classroom guidance lessons for students across all grade levels.
Lessons focus on:
Social-emotional skills
Character development
Communication
Problem-solving
Growth mindset
Respect and responsibility
College and career readiness
Lessons are designed to help students develop skills they can use in school, relationships, and everyday life.
Partnering with families to support students at school and at home.
Resources include:
SEL activities and information
Parenting resources
Community resources
Academic planning information
College and career resources
Helpful forms and links
Strong partnerships between school and home help students feel supported and successful.
I graduated with an undergrad in Human Development & Family Studies at South Dakota State University where I continued my education & earned my Masters degree in School Counseling
GO JACKS!
Professional Experience
4 years as an Elementary School Counselor (Kβ5) at Sioux Valley School District
Currently serving as a Kβ12 School Counselor at Colman-Egan School District, Year 2!
Previous committees include:
Building Leadership Team
Teacher Assisting Teachers Team
Positive Behavior Incentive Team
K-5 Testing Coordinator
Married
Two dogs, no kids
Learning
Family
Friends
Running
Movement
Early mornings
Cold brew coffee, occasionally
Smiles
A Glimpse Into My World