School Counselors are ALL IN!
We love celebrating the hard work of educators, and today is no different! Each year, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recognizes National School Counseling Week to celebrate the unique and important work of school counselors across the country. Not only do school counselors support students in achieving academic and career success, but they play a critical role in helping students stay safe and healthy.
This year’s NSCW theme is “All in for All Students.” And we agree that school counselors give their ALL to make sure kids are represented, safe, and heathy.
Our team is honored to have 2019 School Counselor of the Year Brian Coleman on our Educational Advisory Board – here is what he had to say to his fellow school counselors to kick off this week of celebration:
“National School Counseling Week is upon us, and it is such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness around the important work of school counselors! During this year’s National School Counseling Week, I’m excited to facilitate a series of webinars on behalf of ASCA that will shine a bright light on some of the amazing work being done around the country! Missouri’s Olivia Carter was recently named the 2021 National School Counselor of the Year, and she will be highlighted during the week along with the other finalists and state winners! Looking for a way to celebrate? Reach out to any school counselors that have made a positive impact on you and/or your family to let them know why you appreciate their work! If you are feeling extra spirited, ask them how you can support their counseling programs moving forward. We cannot do this work without all of you!”
We love these words from Brian, especially as we find ourselves in the middle of an unprecedented school year. This past year, school counselors have taken action to help students face social, emotional, and academic challenges as the country navigated its way through the pandemic, keeping them busier than ever. We are so thankful for all that school counselors do to help kids say “YES” to healthy lifestyles! For more tips from Brian, check out his advice on talking to kids to help them avoid risky behaviors such as underage drinking and underage cannabis use.
One of our favorite tips from Brian for parents is this:
“I feel that far too often, we underestimate our children’s ability to pick up on the world around them. They are always watching and seeing and processing. So then if they’re seeing it, it’s time to have that conversation.”