Mr. Larry Simons Grades 10-12 Last Names A-F lsimons@cr.k12.ia.us     BA - Business Ed / Psych Wartburg College   MA - School Counseling Truman State	Ms. Jennifer Byers Grades 10-12 Last Names G-L jbyers@cr.k12.ia.us   BS - Psychology University of Iowa MA - School Counseling University of Iowa	Mr. Dean Blanchard Grades 10-12 Last Names M-R dblanchard@cr.k12.ia.us   BA - Education  UNI MA - School Counseling Illinois State University	Ms. Sue McDermott Department Chair Grades 10-12 Last Names S-Z smcdermott@cr.k12.ia.us   BA - Home Econ / Science UNI MA - School Counseling University of Iowa	Dr. Peggy Hardesty 9th Grade Facilitator phardesty@cr.k12.ia.us   BA - Art Cornell College Master of Education  Goucher College PhD in Education University of Iowa
Ms. Steff Wilkinson Counseling Secretary swilkinson@cr.k12.ia.us	Ms. Jodee Beck Special Ed Facilitator jbeck@cr.k12.ia.us   BA - Psych / Education Coe College Master of Education UNI	Mr. Chris Buesing I-JAG Coordinator Grades 9-10 cbuesing@cr.k12.ia.us   BA - History / Education Loras College	Mr. Sean McAtee I-JAG Coordinator Grades 11-12 smcatee@cr.k12.ia.us   BA - History University of Iowa	Mr. Tony Lombardi 9th Grade At-Risk Facilitator alombardi@cr.k12.ia.us

 

 

 

 

The Role of the Professional School Counselor

The professional school counselor is a certified/licensed educator trained in school counseling with unique qualifications and skills to address all students' academic, personal/social and career development needs. Professional school counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student achievement. Professional school counselors are employed in elementary, middle/junior high and high schools and in district supervisory, counselor education and post-secondary settings. Their work is differentiated by attention to developmental stages of student growth, including the needs, tasks and student interests related to those stages.

Professional school counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student achievement. Incorporating leadership, advocacy and collaboration, professional school counselors promote equity and access to opportunities and rigorous educational experiences for all students. Professional school counselors support a safe learning environment and work to safeguard the human rights of all members of the school community. Collaborating with other stakeholders to promote student achievement, professional school counselors address the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs that are a part of a comprehensive school counseling program.

Why High School Counselors?

High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment and hope. It is the time when students begin to discover what the future holds for them. Secondary school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional high school counselor holds a master's degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with educational reform and challenges facing today's students.

What do counselors do all day?

Counselors work in three core areas: academic planning, career planning, and social & personal issues.  Below are just a few examples of how counselors work in these areas:

• Individual student academic program planning (Ex. - Working with students on their class schedule)

• Counsel students who have disciplinary problems

• Individual student and family college and career planning (Ex. - Junior Conferences)

• Interpret cognitive, aptitude, and achievement tests (Ex. - Explaining ITED results)

• Counsel students who are tardy or absent

• Collaborate with teachers to present guidance department information (Ex. - PTA sponsored Health Presentations)

• Analyze grade-point averages in relationship to achievement (Ex. - College recommendation letters)

• Interpret student records (Ex. - Helping special education teachers plan for students with special needs)

• Counsel students as to appropriate school dress

• Ensure student records are maintained as per state and federal regulations

• Assist the school principal with identifying and resolving student issues, needs and problems

• Work with students to provide small and large group counseling services (Ex. - Registering for next year's classes)

• Advocate for students at individualized education plan (IEP) meetings and student study teams