Role of a Counselor

• Understand the self and develop a positive self-image
• Show respect for the feelings of others
• Understand the decision-making process
• Maintain effective relationships with peers and adults
• Gain an understanding of the world of work
• Develop effective study skills
• Be prepared to make the transition to middle school

Here is a brief overview of my role here at Hyer:

• Teach classroom guidance lessons
• Facilitate short-term small group counseling
• Provide immediate and short-term individual counseling
• Work collaboratively with teachers and staff
• Consult with parents
• Provide information and/or referrals for community resources to families

Why do we need elementary school counselors?

• A deliberate and comprehensive approach to teaching children social and emotional skills can raise their grades and test scores, increase enthusiasm for learning, reduce behavior problems, and enhance cognitive functioning.
• Students who receive social skills instruction do better academically and socially but the reverse is not true (academic instruction does not increase social/emotional skills).
• There is a strong connection between emotions and learning. Students who can recognize and manage strong emotions are better learners.
•  A comprehensive guidance program creates a safe environment for learning. The longer the students are in schools with comprehensive guidance programs, the more they outperform their peers on standardized tests.
• Pro-social behaviors exhibited by students in the classroom were found to be better predictors of academic achievement than were their standardized test scores.