Revised Opinion- Post 1

After reading the provide links associated with the roles and responsibilities of guidance counselors, my original opinion towards GC's (guidance counselors) changed considerably. I was impressed with the amount of times I saw the word/phrase "Career, Career Planning, Career Plans and Professional development". Instantaneously I begin to think..hmm..they might not be so bad after all. I found it hard to believe that career was one of the primary focuses of GC's. This is partly because of the interaction the CTE department has with GCs at my school. I was somewhat aware of the amount of education required to become a counselor but because of obvious reasons, I pushed that fact to the back of my mind. Before reading the state's requirements of counselors, I always thought they were only in charge of testing, collegiate visitations, transcripts, seasonal employment opportunities (for students) and class scheduling. Now I have a bit more compassion for my counterparts. I am more aware of ALL of what they are responsible for and a little less critical of mistakes they make from time to time. I still believe counselors should be required to do walk-thrus just as an administrator / chairperson. The counselors walk-thru would of course have a different feel to them in comparison to those of administration. I also believe that this act would contribute greatly to the CTE department and clarify a need for various programs. Counselors would then be allowed to see how differently a class of 38 looks a whole lot differently in person than on paper.
The amount of education required of counselors could not only help the students but teachers as well. I just feel that amount of time put into obtaining their certification is going to waste behind a desk.
I will continue to peruse the links for a better understanding of GCs roles in an effort to work together in tandem with the counseling department.