A professional school counselor plays a crucial role in supporting the academic, social, emotional, and personal development of young students. My responsibilities are multifaceted and include:

**Academic Support**:
- Counselors work with students, teachers, and parents to ensure students are achieving their academic potential. They may help students develop study habits, time management skills, and provide resources for academic success.

 **Social and Emotional Development**:
- Elementary counselors focus heavily on the social and emotional growth of children. They teach students skills like empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. They often provide individual or small group counseling sessions to address issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, family changes, and peer relationships.

**Career Awareness**:
- At the elementary level, counselors introduce students to the idea of careers and the world of work in a broad sense. Students will learn and be able to name all 17 Career Clusters. They help students begin to understand their interests and strengths, which can influence future academic and career decisions.

 **Crisis Intervention**:
- School counselors are often the first point of contact when a student is in crisis, whether it’s a personal issue, family situation, or school-wide emergency. They provide immediate support and, if necessary, refer students to external mental health resources.

**Collaboration and Consultation**:
- Counselors regularly collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to address student needs. They act as advocates for students, helping to ensure that they have the necessary resources and support for success.

**Promoting a Positive School Environment**:
- Counselors contribute to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive school climate by fostering diversity awareness, kindness, and anti-bullying programs.

 **Classroom Core Curriculum Lessons**:
I  deliver weekly classroom lessons on topics such as emotional regulation, problem-solving, decision-making, and respecting others.

My overall goal is to help students develop the foundational skills necessary to be successful both in school and in life. Would you like more information on specific programs or strategies school counselors use?