Annotated Bibliographies
Interview
I decided to interview one of other mentors, Mrs. Bagwell, since she has had so much real life experience as a middle school counselor. Reading articles, magazines, and other sources gave me quality information, but getting the inside scoop from someone who deals with these things every day gives a much better perspective.
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- What do you see as the main role of a school counselor?
The main role of the counselor is to support students through issues they are struggling with, teachers as they face difficulties in the classrooms with students, and parents as they seek tools to better parent their children. Counselor is a support system manager - always connecting students to additional support.
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- Does it help to have a good counselor parent relationship?
Always - not every student issue involved their parents, not every issue needs to. But when the parent can be one of those pieces in the support system that would benefit the student, then yes!
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- How involved can you get in students lives without crossing boundaries?
There are professional ways to know student lives outside of school without violating the boundary issue. The very best way is communication that takes place in our offices right out of the mouths of the students. When students feel comfortable and share their personal lives, they are inviting us in to make suggestions for what
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- Can you do anything legally about at home abuse?
We are mandated reporters and must report to Department of Family and Children Services if we suspect abuse of any type.
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- What are the best ways to help a student open up about touchy subjects?
A comfortable environment, body language that communicates no judgement, being genuinely interested in their story, listening...
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- What's the worst conflict you've had to deal with with a student or parent? How did you handle it?
How can I pick JUST one?!? Conflict issues are always best resolved with lots of listening, validating feelings, and asking questions.
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- Do you think a counselor could potentially save a student’s life?
Anyone that listens and knows when to get someone else help can.
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- How do you develop a positive relationship with a student you are counseling?
Time...it takes time, lack of judgement, listening, and more time! Authenticity is key!
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- How do you handle students who are constantly misbehaving- skipping class, failing grades, fighting, etc.?
A team approach - involving everyone who sees and works with the student - is super effective, as long as everyone has communicated and has agreed with the same methods and words to share with the student. Clear and simple is always best. And without consistency, the issue will never be resolved. A comprehensive approach in a team model will be the best.
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- What is the hardest part of your job? ​
Depends on the day or the hour! When you get over worked and don't practice self-care, things get crazy! Properly taking care of yourself and having someone you can talk to about (without breaking confidentiality!) work is essential.
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