The Philosophy of EducationAs a school counselor, my mission is to help students know themselves and develop in three areas: personal/social, education and career . I believe that every student has a gift that has been given by God and my goal is to help students identify these gifts and harness them to become successful students and citizens. The Purpose of Counseling The purpose of guidance counseling is to help students achieve happiness and success. in their social and educational context. For young children, this involves adapting to the educational environment and addressing any social or family issues that may interfere with the child's psychological health. For older children, choosing a career based on their interests and abilities takes priority, even if serious problems such as alcohol or drug abuse, sexual abuse or domestic violence situations, Bullying and other situations that lead to intense stress are also addressed. The successful school counselor is one who takes on the role of a loving, concerned and empathetic parent, who is able to listen and gain the trust of students and who has the time and self-confidence necessary to make a difference in their life. What Should Be TaughtSchool counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student success through a guidance program, individual planning strategies, responsive services, and a comprehensive program of support and advocacy in matters of school counseling. The comprehensive school counseling program must meet the needs of all students. The Role of the Counselor School counselors meet the needs of students in three basic areas: academic development, career development, and personal/social development. Knowledge, understanding, and skills in these areas are developed through classroom instruction, assessments, consultation, advising, coordination, and collaboration. For example, during assessment, school counselors can use various personality and occupational assessment methods to help students explore their career needs and interests. Classroom counseling lessons are designed to be preventative and include self-management and self-monitoring skills. The responsive services component of the school counselor role provides individual and/or small group counseling to students. For example, if a student's behavior is interfering with his or her success, the counselor will observe that student in a classroom; provide consultation with teachers and other staff to develop (with the student) a plan to address behavioral issues, and then work together to implement that plan. They also help by providing consultation services to family members.