Counseling has many components in different fields such as a school counselor, marriage and family counseling, addiction counseling, individual and private practices, and many more. For my project, I interviewed Mrs. Ross Freeman, a school counselor who talks about her journey of becoming an Elementary School Counselor. We discuss what the requirement and cost were to receive a license in the counseling field. We were also able to discuss the average salary and hourly wages for a counselor in WISD. Mrs. Freeman then goes on to enlighten me about the rewards, challenges, demands and frustrations of a school counselor.
Interview with Mrs. Ross Freeman Mrs. Ross Freeman, a school counselor at Meadowcrest Elementary, discusses the many areas and components of counseling. She enlightened me about her choice for the counseling profession, the requirements for licensure and the approximate costs of education. Mrs. Freeman also talks about the rewards and challenges of being a school counselor. Mrs. Freeman stated the only profession that she was ever interested in was teaching, but it wasn’t until she taught at a magnet school whereas a conference center was part of the classroom setting.
It was brought to her attention by several faculty members and the school principal of her great counseling skills. Mrs. Freeman noticed some students who were having problems at school used the Pros and Cons strategy as well as The Reality Theory to work through some issues. Mrs. Freeman had just been using these strategies so she was thrilled to see the strategies in the real world.
It was at that moment when Mrs. Freeman noticed how she loved listening to the students work through different issues and decided that it would be a dream to have such a profession. R. Freeman, personal communication, June 15,2009) Education is one of the keys to becoming a counselor. Mrs. Freeman informs me to be a school counselor the state requires a master’s or doctoral degree, two to three years of supervised clinical experience and the passage of an examination. Mrs. Freeman currently holds a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Geography and a Masters in Counseling from A&M University. She also has an English as a Second Language Certification from B University. The cost of tuition from A&M was approximate $10,000.
Then the approximate cost of tuition from B was $4,000. With the help of family members and loans Mrs. Freeman was able to pay for books and tuition for both of the Universities. Participation in continuing education is often required for the renewal of a license or certification. In states without licensure or certification laws, professional counselors are certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The law requires counselors to hold certification from the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) or The Texas Education Agency (TEA). Mrs. Freeman would also like to add, “The cost of a education does not compare to the benefits of one! ” And “ A higher education can provide options to various opportunities” (R. Freeman, personal communication, June 15,2009) Mrs. Freeman is an employee of WISD whereas A professional counselor’s salary range from $40, 000 and up. They are also able to earn extra duty pay of tutorials, teaching summer school and helping with Saturday camps. Most of the time it depends on the person’s experience and education.
The hourly wage should range from appropriately $25 hour to maybe $40 hour. (R. Freeman, personal communication, June 15,2009) A school Counselor has many jobs. A typical week for Mrs. Freeman includes 13-20 classroom guidance lessons. Approximately 10-20 small group and 30 or more individual counseling sessions. Ten different TAKS success groups with students from grade 3-5. Four to six hours of system support: parent conferences, teacher-counselor conferences, consultations with administrators, counselor collaborations, Students Assistance Team meetings, faculty meetings, grade level meetings and whatever it takes to help keep the school climate safe and secure to have a conducive learning environment. R. Freeman, personal communication, June 15,2009) With many jobs there are rewards, challenges and demands. The rewards with the job as a school counselor are many. It includes a student/parent saying “Thank You,” of your help in a difficult situation. Seeing a student using strategies taught to them in the class guidance lesson. Notes from parents and/or students and seeing a brighter star shine, self-referrals by students and etc. Challenges would be a student being who is being defiant and disrespectful toward adults and other students.
Mrs. Freeman adds the greatest challenge would be to keep cool while a child is being defiant and disrespectful. Another job that is a challenge for most elementary school counselors is being able to make a schedule for Guidance lessons that will not interfere with regular schoolwork. The demands sometimes come all at once and Mrs. freeman really has to prioritize to keep a level head. Mrs. Freeman has to decide what has to be done today, what can wait until tomorrow or what can be done the day after.
If it all has to be done today, she would still prioritize in time order instead of order of days. (R. Freeman, personal communication, June 15,2009) The demands of counseling are high so I asked the question why did she stay a counselor for so many years? Why, because she chose to stay in this profession, because she loves what she does. Mrs. Freeman was given the opportunity to manage the guidance program freely, without dictation. “I love my job! I also love the students, principal, faculty and staff that I work with. They are like my second family”, says Mrs. Freeman. Without a shadow of doubt she would be a counselor all over again. Near the end of the interview Mrs. Freeman gave me many recommendations to consider about in this profession. One, to go and observe a counselor while he/she is working. Two, do not think you will get rich doing this job because you will not. Three, Be ready to listen attentively to anyone (students, parents, co-workers, etc). Four take care of yourself so you will be able to help others. Five Love what you do. Six Help the students and don’t try to solve their problems for them. R. Freeman, personal communication, June 15,2009) As I reflect back on my interview with Mrs. Freeman I learned that school counselors wear many hats. First they are counselors, then mothers, helpers, friends and referees. With all of the different titles counselors must have a willing and clear mind to work with students, parents, teacher and administrators. One thing I will remember form Mrs. Freeman is to Love what you do and you will be at the top of your game. (R. Freeman, personal communication, June 15,2009)
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