The role of a school counselor is to provide assistance and support to students with the intent to promote achievement. School counselors aim to foster a reality of student success. However, this type of work allows counselors the freedom to implement their own style and techniques.  My philosophy is that the role of the school counselor is unique to each student, grade level, school, and environment. For instance, an elementary school counseling would look different than high school counseling. Each student and each school, depending on its grade level and demographics, has specific needs and may call for different forms of counseling.   I believe it is essential for counselors to be able to adjust themselves in order to provide the necessary service to each student. Every student has distinctive cultures, concerns, ideas, and dreams which must be heard, understood, and assessed.  Counselors must recognize individuality and implement creative ways to provide equity and appropriately advocate for each student.   I enjoy collaboration with parents, teachers, administration, and the community because of the fundamental in warranting student success. According to the ASCA National Model (2012), “Through school, family and community collaboration, school counselors can access a vast array of support for student achievement and development that cannot be achieved by an individual, or school, alone” (p. 6). Counselors, family, teachers, coaches, and outside mentors all have a distinctive relationship and perception of a student.  I would like to enhance the overall understanding of students, through the collaboration of ideas, specific skills, and resources.  School counselors play a vital role in providing support and a gateway towards success.

Reference:

Bowers, J., & Hatch, T. (n.d.). The ASCA national model: A framework for school counseling programs (3rd ed.)