As a long-time educator, I believe that all students have the ability to learn. Students have the right to be able to be given the best possible opportunities to be successful in their education.  I also believe that as a stakeholder in education for kids, I have a sacred responsibility to help students by providing quality resources and training that best meets their developmental needs.

My duty in advocacy for students is to provide them with counseling services that are either direct, indirect or within a group setting.  I believe I should be a dependable person who supports, encourages, and brings resources that will help.  It is my duty to partner with others in a child’s education and also be a resounding source for them. I have the duty to self-reflect and follow best practices in helping students reach their full potential.

Ethics guide the role of the school counselor in showing them what is important and what to focus on.  It provides a framework from which school counselors can work and be held accountable.  Keeping confidence and treating students with respect and using critical thinking are important in helping students gain trust and know they are valued (ASCA, 2022).  By helping create academic, social, and emotional planning students’ needs will be addressed on every level (ASCA, 2022).  Additionally, ethics such as addressing assessments, working to prevent bullying, and being a resource for areas of trauma are important in helping students find protection and set future goals (ASCA, 2022). 

As a school counselor, I will deliver a quality program that will allow ALL students to acquire academic, emotional, social, and career skills that will allow them to reach their maximum educational potential. Through collaboration, leadership, and advocacy my goal is to provide the support that allows students to have the skills and resources needed to continue to become life-long learners.

American School Counselor Association. (2022).  ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors.  American School Counselor Association. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/44f30280-ffe8-4b41-9ad8-f15909c3d164/EthicalStandards.pdf