This past week the First Lady, Michelle Obama, spoke at the ASCA conference in Orlando, Florida. The statements she made all ring true to those of us who have been in the field of school counseling and those of us who continue to help students and their families find their paths to post secondary education. Her main messages were, “thank you for the work you do” and “I appreciate you”. School counselors play a vital role in the culture and climate of every school. They often serve as the only staff members with any mental health training. They collaborate with teachers, administrators, community members and families to support student success. School counselors are also one of the most often cut positions when budgets are strained. The US Department of Education has worked to fund efforts to create and expand school counseling efforts through the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Grant. These grants are one way to help increase the awareness and emphasis on the importance of school counselors as change agents, leaders and invaluable members of a school’s climate. It is so exciting to see, hear and feel the new attention and recognition for the profession of school counseling from the USDOE as well as from the First Lady. In case you missed her remarks, the link below will take you there.
Photo of Michelle Obama at ASCA
Thoughtful Education, Counseling and Consulting 