Counselor, Jessie Clark Middle School

"The foundation for being an effective school counselor is respect -- for our students, for their parents, for my colleagues, for our administrators, and for the education profession. Each person deserves to be valued and to be heard; it’s amazing what students will share when they feel that they are respected and valued. When they get the opportunity to have their voices heard, they are usually more willing to listen to what adults have to say in return.

"As a school counselor, I try to help students develop problem-solving and coping skills so they are better able to address the issues standing in the way of their academic or social progress. Students need encouragement and guidance to determine exactly what problems they are facing, what they actually have the power to change, and what they simply must learn to live with. Students also need to have their potential pointed out to them. Many have never considered what options lie ahead or what steps they can take to build a brighter future. Opening doors is a powerful intervention! My hope is to help each student see the possibility of a brighter future."