Introduction
About Courtney
Current elementary school counselor teaching social-emotional learning content to students in grades TK-5
Five years of classroom teaching experience, including as a Teach For America corps member
A Master’s degree in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling from San Diego State University
Extensive training around implementing the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model
Experience working in low-income areas and with diverse populations
A current Multiple Subject Teaching Credential in the state of California
An intermediate proficiency at reading, writing, and speaking in Spanish
Why Do I Teach?
As an elementary school student, my family and I went through some very difficult personal experiences. No matter what was going on at home, I could always count on school to be a safe and happy place. I knew my teachers were adults whom I could rely on and trust. While I was at school, I could throw myself into studying and literature and temporarily forget about the problems at home.
School, and the caring educators who guided me along the way, saved my life. For that reason, I have always wanted to work in a school and "pay it forward" to students. I am passionate about making school a safe and happy place for all students - no matter what may be going on at their homes or their personal lives. Every student deserves to be loved and cared for at school.
Mission & Values
Strengths-Based
Everyone deserves - and desires - to be seen for their strengths: students, family members, and staff alike. I am passionately committed to discovering each person's strengths, and to tailor my instruction and counseling styles to fit the needs of each person.
Community
Throughout my career in education, I have tapped into the power of building meaningful relationships with stakeholders. As a teacher, I visited the homes of more than 50 of my students, in addition to attending numerous student birthday parties and sporting events. These experiences helped me develop close bonds with students, families, and the community. It is often in these moments, when getting to know a student outside of school, that I have been able to see a student in a different light and discover his or her strengths.
Solution-Focused
Seven years of experience working in schools has illustrated that time is an educator's most valuable resource. With this in mind, It is essential that an educator's work is always solution-focused, with a clear goal in mind. I support students in finding solutions to current issues as well as understanding how those solutions can be proactively implemented in the case of a future problem.
Courtney Lloyd is a school counselor, former elementary school teacher, innovator, and passionate advocate for students and families.