School Counselors job descriptions are often very different depending on the school district they work in.  In some cases there is little difference between a School Counselor, Guidance Counselor and a Social Worker.  However, in other cases there are very large differences.  For this reason it is a great idea to get to know each School Counselor you meet and learn what they have to offer and how they are utilized at your school.  

I personally try to blend the requirements of the New York State Department of Education and the American School Counselor Association's developmental approach.  As such, I advocate for an organized approach to meeting the social/emotional, career and academic needs of each student.  Ideally I intend to provide services to every student during their time in the Little Falls Middle School. 

For more on the American School Counselor Association click here.
For more information on the New York Department of Education's Part 100j Requirements click here or for Pupil Personnel Services click here.

As a Professional School Counselor here at Little Falls I offer assistance in a variety of areas including classroom behavior, positive behavioral supports, career exploration, academic motivation, peer and relationship concerns, self concept issues, conflict mediation, crisis intervention and a variety of other external issues that affect school performance.  In most instances the assistance is provided in mass formats, such as classroom guidance or newsletters.  Counselors will also often collaborate with Teachers to make sure students academic, social and career needs are being met.   

However, there are certain areas where one on one meetings are the most effective means of meeting a students needs.  These meetings come about based on three factors.  One meeting comes about because it is a required service.  The second occurs based on a referral.  The last comes about as a request from either the student or counselor.     

Required - For instance, each student in grades 6-8 has at least one required individual appointment per year to review their career plans.  These brief meetings are important initial contacts between the student and School Counselor.  The annual contact is important because every student will need a Professional School Counselor for some type of academic, career or social/emotional during their time in the Middle School.  Typically that familiarity will result in improved outcomes all around. 

Referrals - Students can be referred to a School Counselor a fellow student, parent or staff member.  Peers, Parents and Staff members are often the first people students approach when they need a trusted person to speak with in regards to challenging academic, career or social/emotional situations.  When these conversations go beyond the persons ability to help they are encouraged to refer the student to a Professional School Counselor.  These referrals may result in short term School Counseling in the General Education setting.  The referrals may also require more specialized counseling or resources.  If that time comes the School Counselor may recommend and/or seek out additional resources such as specific counseling outside the school setting, a psychologist, therapist or other resources for the student. 

Requests - Sometimes a student will approach a School Counselor on their own.  In other situations a Counselor may approach the student based on some type of data, such as an unusual number of abscences.  If the problem is not resolved after a single brief contact the counselor will contact the parents to make a formal referral for more regular counseling services.  

Please note that School Counselors remain confidential unless we have information that suggests danger to the student's well being or the well being of another.  Parents are not automatically notified when students meet with the School Counselor, but are welcome to make appointments to discuss concerns they may have.  In addition, parents will be notified if situations become persistant and require regular visits with a counselor.   

As a Professional School Counselor here at Little Falls I also oversee the other operations of the Guidance Department which include printing schedules and report cards, mailing interim reports, providing working card applications and transcripts for students who are moving or going on to college or the military.  Ultimately the School Counselor fills a variety of roles within the Little Falls School District.  With all this variety we are very fortunate to have secretaries like Diane Smith and Karen Zuis to help share the load.  

If you have further questions and needs please feel free to contact us.  We look forward to working with you in order to provide an environment that maximizes the academic success of our students.    

- Click Here for a link to another School Counselor's perspective

Career Development and Occupational Studies Standards (NYS CDOS) (pdf file)

Madison Elementary Social Emotional Standard 1 (doc file)

Madison Elementary Social Emotional Standard 2 (doc file)

Madison Elementary Social Emotional Standard 3 (doc file)

Madison High School Social Emotional Standard 1 (doc file)

Madison High School Social Emotional Standard 2 (doc file)

Madison High School Social Emotional Standard 3 (doc file)

	pdf file: You need Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 5 or higher) to view this file. Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader for PC or Macintosh.
	doc file: You need the Microsoft Word program, a free Microsoft Word viewer, or a program that can import Word files in order to view this file. To learn more about the free Microsoft Word Viewer, visit the Microsoft Word website.

Teacher Websites © 2009 SchoolWorld