School counselors describe roles as academic, social-emotional and family support

Several school counselors described their work as a mix of academic guidance, social-emotional support and family connection during a recorded discussion.

Commenter 2, a school counselor, said, "A school counselor does a plethora of things. We help students academically reach their goals. We meet with students with social emotional needs. We support staff, and, we just are there all around supporting everybody at the schools, including parents and helping students and parents, as stakeholders just make those connections that they need for their future." She added that counselors help students "see their biggest potential."

Commenter 3, a school counselor and member of the Wyoming School Counselor Association Board, said she thrives when working with other counselors and when engaging at the state level: "Being part of the Wyoming School Counselor Association Board has been a huge opportunity for that to advocate for what school counselors do, what our role looks like, how we're trained, and how we contribute to a school." She also said she has been a counselor for 12 years.

Commenter 4, a high school counselor, described the job as a privilege: "I get the opportunity to watch students grow and become better versions of themselves," she said, adding that witnessing that growth keeps her in the role.

Speakers emphasized team work and consistent presence as core to the job. Commenter 2 said counselors "help students thrive by helping them see their their biggest potential," and Commenter 4 said she aims to "show up and do the best that I can" even when outcomes are not as hoped.

The discussion focused on day-to-day responsibilities and professional motivations rather than policy, funding or formal proposals. No motions or formal board actions were discussed.