Any time you have an opportunity to touch another persons life in a positive way, there is a reward. Working with people and listening to their trials on a daily basis is very discouraging. So, for this reason, I believe that it is those small, sometimes insignificant conversations where a student comes into the office, discouraged, uncertain or confused and looking for inspiration are where the greatest rewards are found. After a simple conversation, the counselor almost magically pulls the right words out of the air and instantly the spirit of this student is lifted, a reward is received. Changes occur to the expression on their face and a confident thank you for listening to me today may be heard. These are the moments where that I believe counselors receive their greatest rewards. Not only do counselors feel pleased to help someone, they receive a boost in their confidence that they know what they are doing and that they are in the right job. This type of reward is received the most often. It in turn encourages a counselor. This almost daily reward outweighs the depressive affects of regularly dealing with negative problems.
In my opinion, the most challenging part of a counselor’s job is time management. I realize that not being able to reach every child is discouraging. But, if there is enough time, one can try. However, I have seldom been into the counselor’s office at our school when there was not a line of folks waiting to see her. Juggling the obligations of addressing the academic and personal needs of the students, dealing with parental issues, helping teachers and working with the community can quickly tire one out. The feeling of being stretched to thin and never getting caught up is stressful and can quickly become overwhelming.
This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question
1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.
3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.
4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.
5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.
6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.
7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.
FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).
This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!
Blog Post - Week 7
This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6
For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5
This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4
Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3
Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2
Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"
Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1
Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?
1 comment:
Wyndell,
Your post is touching and I do hope that most guidance counselors do feel encouraged after speaking with students.
I also think that you hit the nail on the head about time management. Some students need to have some form of interaction and will visit the guidance counselor several times in one week. I have gotten very frustrated in the recent past because I felt like many of the guidance counselor's duties have been given to teachers when we are not properly trained to deal with them. Now I feel that they have had no other choice since they are so overwhelmed. They have so much pressure to keep kids happy during a time when their mood swings are out of control, try to keep them in school, and keep them on track to graduate and either go to college or pursue a career.
Thank you for your post!
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