The Role of a Professional School Counselor in the k-8 Setting
The elementary and middle school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for children and adolescents to become healthy, competent, and confident learners. Through a comprehensive and developmental school counseling program, counselors work as a team with students, their families, and American Academy staff to address the academic, career and social-emotional development of all students.
School Counselors are specially trained professionals with a master's degree in counseling. Support provided can be therapeutic, but the role of a school counselor is not to diagnose or provide therapy. We are able to provide temporary/short-term support to help students overcome acute issues having an impact on their school performance. We are a resource similar to the school nurse in that she can provide screening and band aids but refers out for more serious problems.
If there are concerns that need more consistent and comprehensive services, we would be happy to provide resources for nearby therapists and agencies in our community that specialize in helping school-aged children.
The Role of a School Counselor (ASCA)
School Counseling Services
Our primary task as school counselors is to help all American Academy students become better learners by providing a comprehensive counseling program that meets their academic, social-emotional, and career development needs. This is accomplished by providing individual counseling, small group counseling, classroom lessons, responsive services, and system support. Topics we often assist students with include:
- Academic support (identifying barriers to success and creating interventions)
- Emotional awareness and self-regulation skills
- Behavior challenges at school
- Career awareness, exploration and planning
- Communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, or issues of bullying
- Divorce/family separation or other big life changes including grief & loss support
- Goal setting and decision-making
- Organization and study skills
- Peer relationships and effective social skills
Request Counseling Services
If you are a parent/guardian and would like your child's counselor to meet with them, or if you are a student who would like to speak with their counselor, you can
request School Counseling services here.