My dream for the school counseling profession is more representation.
I dream of more BIPOC school counselors representing the field and the ever-changing demographics of students in our nation.
I also dream of more funding for the profession and general education as a whole to support counselors all over in their efforts to close opportunity gaps that still persist in 2023.
Ms. Autumn Washington
NOTE: In addition to being a counselor at Westgate, Ms. Washington is also an Adjunct Lecturer at University of Colorado at Denver where she teaches "Intro to School Counseling" and "Developing and Implementing a Comprehensive School Counseling Program: ASCA". She also mentors two college students in pursuit of a counseling degree who are both working at Westgate to fulfull the state requirement for at least 600 clock hour internship.
During this week let's take the time to recognize the education, dedication and professionalism of our school counselors. Feel free to give social media shoutouts to both Ms. Washington and Ms. Kinslow. Below is some more information on what it takes to be a counselor and their roles in the school.
Qualifications:
- Hold, at a minimum, a master's degree in school counseling
- Meet the state certification/licensure standards
- Fulfill continuing education requirements
- Uphold American School Counselor Association ethical and professional standars
- They help ALL students
- Apply academic achievement strategies
- Manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
- Plan for postsecondary options