Collaboration & Consultation

Both teachers and counselors have similar goals:  the educational success of each student.  So, it is important that school counselors collaborate with teachers and administrators to promote student learning. If a student is having problems in a classroom, school counselors will join together with teachers to come up with some practical strategies which will remove educational barriers and enhance the learning environment of that student. 

Parents and school counselors speak with each other to help the child/student on a variety of issues such as academic success, transitions, special needs, family transitions, and crisis situations. Studies have shown that children have greater academic achievement when their parents are involved in their education.  Parental involvement is critical to helping a child be a successful student. Both parents and counselors can share information with each other to help meet the needs of the student. Additionally, school counselors can help put parents in touch with community resources, if the need arises.

Classroom Counseling

Counseling lessons are an integral part of the elementary school counseling program and important to every students' academic success. One of the most effective ways for school counselors to help prevent academic problems is by discussing self-esteem issues such as peer relationships, stress, or dealing with feelings and emotions in large group  lessons in the classroom. The lessons are preventative in nature, designed to reach all students, and are taught in the classroom regularly by the counselor. To see specific standards taught click here for the Tennessee Model for Comprehensive School Counseling.

Individual Counseling

Elementary school counselors are available to meet individually with a student in circumstances when a student's educational success is being impacted.  The school counselor spends time working with individual students to improve their social skills, discuss feelings, and to empower problem solving methods.

Elementary school counselors assist ALL children.  While a counselor cannot provide on-going counseling, it may be appropriate for a student to receive short-term individual counseling.  When more attention and intervention is required, school counselors can act as a referral agent for parents to access counseling services within the community.

Small Group Counseling

The purpose of small groups is to provide a safe environment for sharing, giving and receiving feedback, practicing new skills, and increasing awareness so that students can be successful in school. Small groups typically meet once a week for 30 minutes for six sessions during the school day. Small groups will be offered based upon student-need and scheduling availability.