Dedication

Artifacts for Dedication:

KBreen-Researching in Counseling.docx 

Reflection:

As a School Counselor in Training (SCIT), I know the responsibility and commitment required to excel in this field. My dedication to the profession is rooted in a strong belief that school counseling is not just about offering support to students at the moment but about fostering an ongoing, proactive environment for their growth and well-being. The expectation to be a lifelong learner engaged in continuous professional development is a guiding principle in my journey. In this reflection, I will explore my demeanor toward actively participating in school counseling expectations and how I aim to improve my services continuously. 

I approach my role as a SCIT with a strong commitment to participate in the expectations set for school counselors actively. This goes beyond fulfilling essential duties; it involves fully engaging in the school community through direct student support, collaboration with staff, or advocating for student mental health. I understand that fulfilling school counseling expectations requires technical knowledge and an authentic, compassionate engagement with students and colleagues. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the school environment, offering support and guidance while staying flexible to the unique needs of each situation. 

To continuously improve my services, professional development is a key pillar of my growth. As the field of school counseling continues to evolve, I recognize the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and best practices. I am committed to seeking opportunities to deepen my expertise through workshops, supervision, or collaborative learning with peers. This proactive approach allows me to refine my counseling skills, ensuring I am offering the best possible support to students. Moreover, I strive to integrate what I learn into my daily practice, making adjustments based on reflection and feedback to enhance the quality of my services. 

In conclusion, my commitment to becoming an effective school counselor is deeply tied to lifelong learning and continuous professional development. I actively participate in the profession's expectations by fully engaging with the school community and responding to students’ needs. As I progress in my training, I remain focused on refining my skills, seeking growth opportunities, and ensuring that my counseling practices evolve in line with research and student needs. Through this dedication, I aim to provide meaningful, impactful services that support the well-being and success of the students I serve. 

Professional and Ethical Standards:

ASCA Standard: B-SS5. Consult to support student achievement and success.

ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors: B.3. Responsibilities to self.

CACREP Standard: G.2.4. School counselor roles in school leadership and multidisciplinary teams

Guiding Questions:

1. What is the SCIT’s overall demeanor towards actively participating in school counseling expectations? 

      As a School Counselor in Training (SCIT), my overall demeanor towards actively participating in school counseling expectations is proactive engagement, collaboration, and commitment. I approach my role with a student-centered mindset, recognizing the importance of fostering an environment where students feel academically and emotionally supported. I am deeply dedicated to the profession of counseling and education, understanding that my responsibility goes beyond simply meeting expectations. It is about making a meaningful impact on students' well-being. I embrace being a lifelong learner, consistently engaging in professional development to stay informed about the latest research, best practices, and innovative counseling techniques. This commitment to continuous learning allows me to adapt to the evolving needs of the school community. By maintaining open communication, collaborating with staff and families, and ensuring my services are accessible and responsive, I strive to create a positive, inclusive atmosphere where counseling services are seen as a valued and integral part of students' overall success. 

2. How does the SCIT aim to continuously improve school counseling services?

         As a School Counselor in Training, I am deeply committed to continuously improving the school counseling services I provide to meet the evolving needs of students. My dedication to the profession drives me to be a lifelong learner, consistently engaging in professional development to refine my counseling skills and expand my knowledge. I regularly assess the effectiveness of my services through data collection, feedback from students, staff, and families, and reflective practices. This ongoing evaluation allows me to identify areas for improvement and adjust my strategies accordingly. I collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, and external partners to ensure a holistic, coordinated approach to supporting students. I tailor my services to address the unique needs of each student, whether through individual counseling, group sessions, or school-wide initiatives focused on mental health awareness. By remaining adaptable and committed to continuous growth, I ensure that my counseling services remain relevant, effective, and aligned with the field's student needs and best practices.