Management
One of the most important things in my role as a school counselor is building relationships. Through being present and speaking with students during carpool, recess, and lunch, I am able to build relationships with students so they want to come talk with me when something comes up with which they would like help. Having a strong management system in place helps ensure that time is spent productively, and that the needs of the students, staff, and families are met. Having a School Counseling Advisory Council, comprised of internal (teachers, administration, school counselor) and external (parents, community members, local business partners) stakeholders helps ensure a common goal, and the school counselor's best ways in which to meet those goals, in partnership with other stakeholders.
As part of my management system, I created a form that is in each classroom, and on the counseling door, in a folder where students place completed forms. This allows me to understand the needs of individual students and triage what needs to be addressed.
Eighty percent of a school counselor's time should be spent in direct and indirect students. I maintain a use-of-time calendar, which helps ensure that time is spent appropriately.
Closing the gap, small group, and curriculum action plans help me have a clear plan from which to work.