More than one-third of secondary school students in the US reported mental health challenges during the pandemic, with mental health topping the list of worries that US parents have for their children’s continued well-being. It’s not surprising that school communities worldwide are feeling the impact of these concerns on their campuses. We know that school counselors are superheroes, masters at building connections with students, but school counselors cannot be the only go-to trusted adult for the students at their school. We must empower, train, and build capacity in all school adults if we are to prevent the biggest worries and concerns we have for students and promote their greatest potential.
Recently, I attended the ISCA (International School Counselor Association) conference in Athens, Greece, where school counselors from around the world gathered to discuss new challenges in the field, connect with fellow counselors, share experiences, and gain knowledge, understanding, and tools for best practices and research in school counseling. At the conference, I presented with Kimberly Stetz, school counselor at Cayman International School, and shared ways to build proactive programs in schools that shift the focus from problems to possibilities. I advocated for advisory and student leadership programs in schools as a way to strengthen adult-to-student and peer-to-peer connections and provide opportunities for student voice and for students to contribute in their communities.
Reflecting on my conversations and takeaways from the conference, I compiled a list of four steps that schools can take to support school counselors:
1. Train and empower all school adults to be the trusted adults students need.
This does not mean training educators and staff to act as counselors or mental health professionals, but rather encouraging them to build strong connections and healthy boundaries with the students in their care. First, however, the role of a trusted adult at school must be clearly defined, including the limits of that role. We cannot encourage educators to show up as trusted adults to students without emphasizing the trusted adult’s role as an advocate who can support the student and connect them with appropriate resources when needed. It’s also important that trusted adults receive training that includes an annual review of their school’s mandated reporting responsibilities.
2. Create opportunities for school adults and students to connect outside the classroom.
It’s important that schools provide structured opportunities for students and adults to interact—these can include advisory programs, mentoring initiatives, extracurricular activities, and school events. Dedicating time that is separate from academic topics and the pressure of grades provides opportunities for young people to build connections with adults and peers.
3. Put tech away and play!
One of the best ways to build connections in your community and improve climate and culture is through play. Students need to experience joy, and this means putting their technology away and engaging with their teachers, advisors, and fellow students. Providing opportunities to play, including challenges and competitive or collaborative games, builds community and helps establish a friendly and welcoming school climate.
4. Ask students to identify a trusted adult at school.
Creating common language and a shared understanding of what a trusted adult is and how to identify one is important in school communities. This includes assessing school connectedness and asking students to identify a trusted adult at school. Some schools do this through in-depth climate surveys, while others may simply ask students in a less formal way as part of a classroom lesson. Identifying students who do (or don’t) have a connection to an adult at school helps school counselors leverage existing relationships and resources to provide holistic and effective support that addresses students’ needs. Collaboration between the counselor, student, trusted adult, and other stakeholders enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes and promotes a supportive school environment.
Thank you, ISCA, for the opportunity to present and to participate as an exhibitor at the conference this year! We were honored to be a part of such a wonderful event, and we left energized and equipped with tools and inspiration to continue our work supporting school counselors around the globe in making a difference in the lives of their students.
Be who you need(ed)!
