Sandi Logan

Coming off the heels of attending the 2013 American Counseling Association (ACA) conference, I have been reflecting on my experience there, as well as other conferences I have attended in the previous months. What stands out in my mind is the importance of relationships and networking. Now, we can have relationships that are personal or professional, or some hybrid of the two. In any regard, it is important to cultivate such connections, as demonstrated by the following:

I can honestly say that I did not perceive myself to be a future leader when I began to pursue a career as a professional school counselor (PSC). Nor would I have identified myself as such growing up.

This weekend, I was reminiscing of what I was doing this same time last year. What popped into my mind was the following: Well, it was nearly half way through the school year and I could confidently say that things were in full swing. I conducted classroom guidance lessons for all of my second graders on tattling, which was identified area of need. I completed “at-risk conferences” with all of my 7th graders and their caregivers, when possible. I collaborated with an English teacher and have integrated my career exploration workbooks into her 7th and 8th grade curriculum. My intern has developed a keen understanding of how a school counselor functions and is working quite well independently.

Oh, what a difference a year makes! This time last year I was fervently submitting my applications for PhD programs in Counselor Education & Supervision. I was comfortably living in Southern California, where I have resided my entire life, working as a professional school counselor. How could I and why should I consider leaving my nest? Well, first of all, the notion of burnout was prevailing in my life. I found myself thinking “I do love my career. However, if I ever want to do this again, I need to get out now.” So, thus a contributing factor to my desire to reach for future goals.

Who is responsible for providing supervision for professional school counselors? Is it the responsibility of their site administrator? Or perhaps, a district level individual whose job entails overseeing various educational support professionals?