Professional Growth Plan 

Short-Term Goals  

Introduction

This Professional Growth Plan (PGP) outlines my professional goals, leadership aspirations, and commitment to continuous growth as a school counselor. As the School Counselor, Industry Engagement Officer, HIB Specialist, and Test Coordinator at STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges, I am dedicated to promoting equitable opportunities that empower every student to achieve academic, social-emotional, college, and career success. I am passionate about advocating for students, particularly those from underserved and historically marginalized populations, by removing barriers to achievement, fostering resilience, and expanding access to postsecondary opportunities. My counseling philosophy is grounded in creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Through comprehensive school counseling services, meaningful collaboration with families, educators, and community partners, and the thoughtful integration of technology and data-informed practices, I strive to enhance student well-being, strengthen social-emotional development, and prepare students for lifelong success. This Professional Growth Plan reflects my commitment to ethical, student-centered leadership and continuous professional learning that positively impacts both individual students and the broader school community.

Professional Strengths

As a school counselor, my professional strengths include effective communication, relationship building, empathy, problem-solving, and fostering an inclusive, culturally responsive learning environment. As the School Counselor, Industry Engagement Officer, HIB Specialist, and Test Coordinator at STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges, I collaborate with students, families, educators, and community partners to support students' academic, social-emotional, college, and career development. My commitment to student advocacy, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making enables me to promote equitable opportunities and create meaningful pathways for student success.

 Areas for Improvement

As a counseling professional, I am committed to continuously strengthening my practice through ongoing learning and professional development. Areas for growth include enhancing my skills in crisis intervention, expanding group counseling strategies, strengthening community partnerships and referral processes, and increasing the effective and ethical integration of digital technologies into school counseling services. As technology continues to transform education and mental health support, I seek to further develop my knowledge of digital counseling tools to better meet the evolving needs of students and promote equitable access to comprehensive counseling services.

Educational Leadership Philosophy

My educational leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, which aligns closely with my commitment to supporting students, colleagues, and the broader school community. I believe effective leaders serve others by listening with empathy, building meaningful relationships, fostering collaboration, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. As described by Northouse (2021), servant leadership emphasizes characteristics such as listening, empathy, stewardship, commitment to the growth of others, and building community. These principles guide my leadership approach as I advocate for equitable opportunities, promote student success, and contribute to a positive and inclusive school culture.

My Goals

2024-2025  

☒    Provided support for the Educational Technology Leadership Department as a part-time Graduate Assistant at NJCU.

☒    Improved my knowledge of SEL and provided additional resources for my students by completing district-wide training.

☒    Completed District-wide Guidance Curriculum writing for the Orange Public School District.

☒    Organized the inaugural College and Career Fair at STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges during Fall 2024.

☒    Organized the first out-of-state College Tour to the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University for the STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges during Fall 2024.

☒    Attended an Essex County Education Association Conference in Winter 2024.

☒    Implemented new college and career readiness partnerships and opportunities for STEM Innovation Academy Students (St. Elizabeth University – Summer residential program).

☒    Attended the 2024 NJEA Convention with the Educational Technology Leadership Department as an Exhibitor/Member.

☒    Implemented SEL partnerships with community organizations (i.e., NJ4S) for the STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges

☒    Helped facilitate professional development workshops and webinars with the Educational Technology Leadership department (i.e., 2025 STEAM Carnival of Inclusivity, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 Ed Tech webinar series).

☒    Improved the use and integration of Naviance “Career and College Readiness technology at the STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges

☒    Completed the first year of Ed.D. Educational Technology Leadership 

2025-2026 

☒    Provide support for the Educational Technology Leadership Department as the full-time Graduate Assistant at NJCU.

☒    Attend the 2025 NJEA Convention with the Educational Technology Leadership Department as an Exhibitor/Member.

☒    Organize the second annual College and Career Fair at STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges during Fall 2025.

☒    Organize the first HBCU College tour for the STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges Students.

☒    Participate in the New Jersey School Counselor Association Conference.

☒    Present a student HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) workshop for the STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges.

☒    Present a webinar for the Educational Technology Leadership Spring 2026 webinar series.

☒    Obtain renewal of my Notary Public Designation.

☐    Submit a proposal to present at the “A Dream Deferred” CollegeBoard Conference in Philadelphia, PA, in Spring 2026.

☒    Submit my dissertation proposal.

☒    Complete the second year of Ed.D. Educational Technology Leadership.

2026-2027

☐    Take the National Counselor Examination to become a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC).

☐    Complete graduate credits to obtain and prepare for the Supervisor Certification

☐    Attend the 2026 NJEA Convention with the Educational Technology Leadership Department as an Exhibitor/Member.

☐    Organize the third annual College and Career Fair at STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges during Fall 2026.

☐    Submit a Presentation Proposal for the Essex County School Counselors’ Association Conference in Spring 2027.

☐    Present at the New Jersey School Counselor Association Conference.

☐    Submit a proposal to present at the “A Dream Deferred” CollegeBoard Conference in Spring 2027.

☐    Present an SEL (Social Emotional Learning) workshop for parents at STEM Innovation Academy of the Oranges.

☐    Complete and successfully defend my dissertation:  High School Counselors’ Perceptions of Digital SEL and Counseling Technologies: Implications for Equity, Access, and Student Support 

☐    Graduate from the Ed.D. Educational Technology Leadership program.

References:

Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). Sage Publications.