Sunday, Feb. 05, 2012

Schools to salute counselors

The following is from the Johnston County Schools.

Johnston County schools will celebrate National School Counseling Week Feb. 6-10.

Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, or ASCA, the week highlights the impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a productive future.

Based in Alexandria, Va., ASCA provides professional development, publications, resources, research and advocacy to professional school counselors around the globe.

The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who "implement comprehensive school counseling programs."

"School counseling programs (are) a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century," said Oliver Johnson, head of student services for Johnston County schools.

School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master's degree in guidance and counseling, Johnson said.

The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program, he said.

"School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students' academic concerns, personal/social skills and career awareness in post-secondary options," said Ed Croom, superintendent of Johnston schools. "Comprehensive school counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success."

Johnston County schools employ 77 counselors.