Counseling Center

At the elementary school level, guidance counselors play a vital role in supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of young students. As licensed professionals, school counselors work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and administrators to create a safe and nurturing learning environment where every child can thrive.

Core Responsibilities

1. Academic Support: Guidance counselors help students develop foundational academic skills, including goal setting, organization, time management, and test-taking strategies. They also collaborate with teachers to identify and address learning challenges early on.
2. Social and Emotional Development: Elementary counselors assist students in building healthy relationships, managing emotions, and developing resilience. Through individual counseling and group sessions, they address issues such as anxiety, peer conflict, self-esteem, and behavior management.
3. Career Awareness: Even at a young age, counselors introduce students to the concept of future careers. Age-appropriate lessons focus on helping students understand their interests, strengths, and the value of education.
4. Preventive and Responsive Services: Counselors provide classroom guidance lessons that cover topics like bullying prevention, conflict resolution, empathy, and personal safety. They are also trained to respond to crisis situations and support students through family changes, grief, or trauma.
5. Family and Staff Collaboration: A key part of the counselor’s role is partnering with families and staff to promote student success. They provide resources, facilitate communication between home and school, and connect families with community services when needed.

A Tennessee-Focused Approach

In accordance with the Tennessee Model for School Counseling and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model, school counselors in Tennessee are committed to equity, access, and success for all students. They maintain confidentiality, uphold ethical standards, and use data-driven strategies to meet the unique needs of their school community.