As the Pima County School Superintendent, I grasp the multifaceted needs of our students and educational environments. With today’s complex educational landscape and the myriad of challenges faced by students, counselors emerge as indispensable pillars of support.
Recently, I collaborated with Justin Curran, Certified School Counselor at Borman K-8 on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Justin’s leadership as Chair of the Arizona School Counselors Association underscores the pivotal role counselors play in student success.
I wanted to briefly discuss the state of School Counseling in Arizona as we, counselors, are one of the few positions at school sites that have direct impact with every student and in large part, are an integral part of schools and students’ success.
School counselors are driven to help students achieve academically, develop socially and emotionally but today, counselors are also on the front lines facing down issues that previous generations never faced. I am the sole counselor at a K-8 site and we address many different stages of development alongside the challenges of technology overload and overstimulation, social media addiction, difficult and disruptive peer behavior, uncertain family dynamics and relationships, it’s no wonder that nearly a third of students feel that they have poor mental health, contributing to the crisis that many experts refer to. Counselors are tasked with teaching strategies and behaviors to prevent self-harm and suicide; we partner with parents and guardians connecting them with community resources that can support their students when more interventions are needed. We take pride in assisting students prepare for their careers starting in elementary school and helping them with options upon graduation, whether that be traditional college, trade or vocational school, military or developing a plan for their future.
Arizona has improved our student-to-school counselor ratio over the last decade as it used to be over 800:1 but we are still ranked last, nationally at 670:1. A student who has access to a school counselor stays in class longer, accessing content and allowing teachers to reach and teach. A student who has access to a school counselor achieves higher academically, is better socially adjusted, and is more likely to have a career path and plan. Students can thrive with school counselors’ support.
In Arizona, school counselors are pivotal figures, engaging with every student and stakeholder. Their evolving role now encompasses addressing 21st-century issues such as technology overload, social media addiction, disruptive peer behavior, and mental health challenges. Beyond academic guidance, counselors navigate students through emotional and social complexities, fostering resilience and holistic development.
Despite improvements, Arizona’s student-to-counselor ratio still drastically lags behind the national average, impacting the quality and scope of counseling services. However, advocating for a mandate to ensure a counselor in each Local Education Agency could significantly enhance student success statewide.
Counselors provide critical mental health support, offering a safe space for students to express concerns and facilitating early interventions. They guide students through academic journeys, particularly crucial for those from underserved communities, empowering informed decisions about their future.
In advocating for equity and inclusion, counselors champion marginalized students, addressing systemic barriers and promoting a sense of belonging. During crises, they serve as first responders, offering immediate support and resources to ensure students feel safe and supported.
Effective counseling extends beyond school walls, fostering collaborative partnerships with families, teachers, and community organizations. By reinforcing emotional well-being and academic progress, counselors strengthen the fabric of the entire community.
Investing in counselors is not just meeting a recommended ratio but a strategic investment in Arizona’s youth. Prioritizing recruitment, training, and retention of qualified counselors ensures every student receives the support needed to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
In conclusion, counselors are the unsung heroes of Arizona’s education system, embodying compassion, expertise, and dedication in nurturing the next generation of leaders. Recognizing and prioritizing their role is imperative for the prosperity of our communities and the state.
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