Who are school counselors?
School counselors are certified/licensed educators who improve student academic, career, and social/emotional success for all students by implementing a data-informed school counseling program.
School counselors help all students:
• apply academic achievement strategies
• manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
• plan for postsecondary options (higher education, trade school, military, work force)
SCHOOL COUNSELOR QUALIFICATIONS
Hold, at minimum, a master’s degree in school counseling
Meet the state certification/ licensure standards
Fulfill continuing education requirements
Uphold the American School Counselor Association ethical and professional standards (ASCA, 2022)
For more information about school counselors please visit www.schoolcounselor.org
*Guidance counselor is an outdated term for School Counselor. It is no longer used because our duties have evolved past that of a guidance counselor. Our professional organization, the American School Counselor Association, strongly encourages the use of the title School Counselor.
Academic
- Goal setting
- Executive functioning skills
- Problem solving
- Test taking stills
- Attendance
- Growth mindset
- grade transition
- Perseverance
- Attitude towards learning
Career
- Career exploration
- Post secondary options
- Interest inventories / self reflection
- Work related Skills
- School work connection
Social / Emotional
- Empathy
- Resilience
- Respect / inclusion
- Self confidence
- Coping skills
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Advocacy skills
- Behavior
- Perspective
What do school counselors do?
• Individual student academic planning and goal setting
• School counseling classroom lessons based on student success standards
• Short-term individual and small group counseling to students
• Referrals for long-term support
• Collaboration with families/teachers/ administrators/community for student success
• Advocacy for students at individual education plan meetings and other student-focused meetings
• Data analysis to identify student issues, needs and challenges
(ASCA, 2022)
Confidentiality Statement
In order to build and maintain trust in counseling, confidentiality is very important. We will not share any information with others unless student permission is given. The only time that counselors are obligated to break confidentiality is when a student discloses:
- they’re in danger of hurting him/herself or others
- previously unreported child, elder, sexual or physical abuse
- crimes that have or will be committed
- If records are court ordered, we may have to legally comply but will contact parents first
- At times, we may consult with other professionals in the best interest of the student
Although what takes place in individual or group counseling is confidential, parents have the right to be informed of their child’s general progress.
Classroom Lessons
Our school counselors implement classroom lessons on the following topics:
- Hygiene
- Bullying prevention
- Healthy relationships
- Career readiness
- Digital safety
- research based SEL curriculum
Social & Emotional Learning
Self Management Managing emotions and behaviors to achieve one’s goals
Self Awareness Recognizing one’s emotions and values as well as one’s strengths and challenges
Social Awareness Showing understanding and empathy for others
Relationship Skills Forming positive relationships working in teams, dealing effectively with conflict
Responsible Decision Making Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions (CASEL, 2022).
For more information about SEL please visit https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/
Our Curriculum
Second Step
For more information: https://www.secondstep.org/families
Power Up, Speak Out!
For more information: https://powerupspeakout.org/
Brittany Katzer, M.A., NCC
LES
Katzerb@libbyschools.org
Kim Lee, M.A.
LES
Leek@libbyschools.org
Becca Fox, M.A., NCC
LMHS
Foxr@libbyschools.org
Mandi Foss, M.Ed.
LMHS
Fossa@libbyschools.org
Resources
If you have questions about our program or would like to refer a student for services, please contact one of our counselors.
(406) 293-8802
Suicide & Self-Harm Resources
College & Career
Mental health Resources
Does your student struggle with stress, anxiety, or managing their emotions? As school counselors we teach coping skills to help students self-regulate. On the Coping Skills page there are some coping skills that can be used at home and at school.
Libby Public Schools (406) 293-8802