I believe that the most rewarding part of being a guidance counselor would be the opportunity to touch so many student's lives. I have witnessed the counselor at my high school make a great effort to set up individualized appointment with each and every student. She has a written plan for each student to visualize and give their input on what they want after high school. I think this is rewarding because she gets a chance to communicate with the students outside of class where they may feel a little more comfortable sharing their dreams or aspirations. She is able to develop a trusting relationship with them and this also opens up the door for other areas that they may need assistance.
On the other hand, I believe that the most challenging part of being a guidance counselor would have to be the feeling of not being able to help every child in need. As a new teacher, I felt that I had to be the savior of all students and I felt "burn-out" quickly. The counselor, because they touch so many students may tend to be overloaded even more so at times. I believe that they are overwhelmed with students, parents and teachers and this can be very difficult especially at my school when you are the only counselor available. Many students do not have a support system in place and rely on the counselor for basically all of their needs and coming from a rural, poverty stricken area, this encompasses more than half of the student body. I believe it becomes very difficult for counselors to cater to each individual student because their jobs are more data driven now and systems are looking at overall student performance.
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:
I agree with you Janet. I think that a counselor's reward is being able to touch each student's life in one way or another. The fact that your counselor makes an appointment with each student is impressive. I remember when I was in high school, and don't remember the counselor playing a significant role in my educational process. But again that was many years ago and their role then may have been different.
As for the most challenging part of being a guidance counselor I agree is not being able to help everyone. I know as a teacher I sometimes wonder am I helping anyone, or wonder am I making a difference. There is only one conselor at my school and I am sure she feels overwhelmed at times.
Post a Comment