I honestly think one of the most rewarding times for a guidance counselor is graduation day! It's got to be a great feeling to see this student whom you've worked with for 4years meet their goal of graduating on time, passing all of those test, and most importantly not giving up. I've seen even at my own school how some of them get real emotional that day.
I also think that their reward is also the challenge! The challenge is making sure the students are on the right path, they pass their graduation test, they graduate on time, and to keep the students encouraged not to give up especially in hard times. The rewards and challenges of a guidance counselor to me are about the same.
I agree with you that one of the most rewarding times for a guidance counselor is graduation day. When you have counseled and counseled students on certain issues and finally one day the light comes on. The student now understands why you organized tutoring sessions or developed extra homework. When a guidance counselor or teacher have worked so hard to assist a student succeed, you feel proud... You are so, so proud of that student until words can not express what you feel. A guidance counselor main responsibility is to develop a program that will promote and enhance students success. This is not an easy job, it's challenging. Designing, implementing and evaluating student's success requires time management. Time is valuable and can not be squandered. It's imperative that counselor's stay on task with graduation requiremnts, because one mistake may delay the student's graduation date. Now, not only are you having to explain to the student, but you have to communicate this error or oversight to the parents. Can you imagine having to explain to parents and a student that he or she can not graduate because of one unit? The roles and responsibilities of a guidance counselors are challenging. I have already developed a new respect for counselors. In closing, I agree with your postings on ''Rewards and challenges'' of counselors. So, this graduation, don't be surprise when you see counselors and teachers tear up, it's an emotional sign of happiness. Jannie
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that one of the most rewarding times for a guidance counselor is graduation day. When you have counseled and counseled students on certain issues and finally one day the light comes on. The student now understands why you organized tutoring sessions or developed extra homework. When a guidance counselor or teacher have worked so hard to assist a student succeed, you feel proud... You are so, so proud of that student until words can not express what you feel. A guidance counselor main responsibility is to develop a program that will promote and enhance students success. This is not an easy job, it's challenging. Designing, implementing and evaluating student's success requires time management. Time is valuable and can not be squandered. It's imperative that counselor's stay on task with graduation requiremnts, because one mistake may delay the student's graduation date. Now, not only are you having to explain to the student, but you have to communicate this error or oversight to the parents. Can you imagine having to explain to parents and a student that he or she can not graduate because of one unit? The roles and responsibilities of a guidance counselors are challenging. I have already developed a new respect for counselors. In closing, I agree with your postings on ''Rewards and challenges'' of counselors. So, this graduation, don't be surprise when you see counselors and teachers tear up, it's an emotional sign of happiness. Jannie
ReplyDeleteI agree that graduation is one of the most rewarding days in a counselor's career. In our district, it is the counselor's who call each student's name to receive their diplomas. A gesture I belive emphasizes the important role counselors play in that success. I also agree that the process to get to graduation is the most challenging as well. But I think counselors have the added challenge of providing the emotional support for students in addition to their other roles and reponisbilities.
ReplyDeleteHigh school counselors are able to fully understand the fundamental goals of their position in high school students' lives. Their goals should be aligning with the goals of their employing high schools and districts. Everyone is under so much pressure of students graduating high school or passing the graduation test. However, it is more rewarding for counselors to see students,especially at risk students graduating high school.
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