About Me
In 1998, I received my BA in Psychology from The University of Texas at Arlington. I received my M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, specializing in Counselor Education with a concentration in School Counseling in 2005 from The University of Texas at Austin.
I began my career in education in 2001 as a first grade teacher, and have been a school counselor since 2005. I have counseling experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and also worked as an academic counselor at the college level for several years.
What is a school counselor?
A school counselor is a teacher with specialized training in helping students develop skills that will help them be successful students. In Texas, school counselors are required to complete a minimum of two years as a classroom teacher, in addition to completing a graduate degree in counseling, before becoming certified as a school counselor.
Delivery of Guidance Program
School counselors deliver the guidance program through the guidance curriculum, responsive services, individual planning, as well as systems support.
- The guidance curriculum is presented to all students at Copperfield Elementary through classroom guidance lessons. Lessons focus on interpersonal effectiveness, motivation to achieve, goal setting, responsible behavior, self-confidence, communication skills, and cross cultural effectiveness. This is based on the TEA publication A Model Comprehensive, Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program for Texas Public Schools. More information about the TEA model can be found here. Guidance lessons also meet the American School Counselor Association Student Standards of academic, career, and personal/social development. More information about ASCA can be found here.
- Responsive services include small groups and individual counseling. Small groups are brief, solution-focused, and give students an opportunity to learn and practice the skills in the topics we cover in classroom guidance lessons. When students have immediate problems that interfere with their academic, career, or personal/social development, they may meet with the counseor for individual counseling, which is also brief and solution-focused.
- Individual planning involves meeting with parent, teachers, and students to set goals and plan for their future.
- Systems support includes all activities that are indirectly benefit students. This includes consultations, program development, professional development, and campus/district committee assignments.
What does this look like at Copperfield?
In the Fall, we have regularly scheduled classroom guidance lessons and small groups covering TEA and ASCA standards. Throughout the year, students have access to individual guidance to address immediate concerns that affect academic, career, and personal/social development. I consult with parents and staff, and help connect families with community resources. I also coordinate several annual events such as Career Day, Education: Go Get It!, and Red Ribbon Week. I am also the campus 504, TELPAS, and GT coordinator. If you have questions about the guidance program at Copperfield, please email me, or call me at 512-594-5826.
