I think one of the biggest challenges faced by GCs is universal understanding and assistance from staff. There are many times when we as educators are asked to complete various forms, refer a certain population and collect data. The requests go unanswered and are oftentimes disregarded. I along with other staffers are guilty of complaining about the extra work that I don't have time to do for other people. Because the GCs are situated in the front office and they rarely come out until test time, people wonder "What are they doing?"; "What do they do everyday?" and "If I do their job, I won't be able to do mine". I am now able to see the importance of the requests. I can now associate counselor's request to the census count. The information is needed to get better programming, more opportunities and an effective counseling department that can better serve the masses.
I think the most rewarding situation a GC faces is when they have worked a case from top to bottom with a powerful and fruitful resolution. I believe counselors are compassionate people that want the best for our students. When faced with a problem beyond scheduling, if a counselor can obtain resources from the community to help not only the student but his/her family, I think that alone reward GCs immeasurably.
I couldn't agree more, Anitra. I, too, have been one of those that disregard some of the request that I have received from the guidance office. I think that we sometimes only see things from our perspective and don't fully understand what those around us are doing. I know that I hear all too often, " I don't know why it is so hard for the counselors to understand why these kids can't be in my class!" It is always so easy to complain and not be supportive when we view situations as one sided. My roster situation may be so insignificant in comparison to what that guidance counselor may be helping a student deal with. I think a little understanding and assistance would go a long way.
ReplyDelete