PHARR‑SAN JUAN‑ALAMO ISD completes inaugural Aspiring Counselors Academy to train teacher‑counselors

PHARR‑SAN JUAN‑ALAMO ISD (PSJA) said it recently completed its inaugural Aspiring Counselors Academy, a professional development program designed to prepare classroom teachers for counselor roles across the district.

A staff member for PHARR‑SAN JUAN‑ALAMO ISD said, "We're so excited that PSJA has afforded this opportunity to these teachers, because we're really trying to build that pipeline to ensure that our students have that special person right in front of them that's really able to serve their social, emotional, and academic needs." The district did not provide a head count of participants in the transcript.

The academy combined two components: the first half featured district leaders presenting on advanced academics, special education and college readiness; the second half consisted of hands‑on workshops and culminated in certificates of completion. Participants also presented Social Emotional Learning projects on topics including chronic stress, healthy coping strategies and self‑reflection.

A participant described the experience as valuable for cross‑role learning. "This academy was a wonderful opportunity. It was great to, you know, be able to job shadow, be able to learn from others as well. So, it provided me with the tools and for me to see how we all work together as a family here in PSJA," the staff member said.

District materials in the transcript emphasized promoting staff from within for roles such as principals, assistant principals and counselors to maintain continuity and strengthen supports for students. The transcript did not specify whether the district plans additional cohorts or provide details on funding or staffing changes tied to the program.

The district said it is proud of employees who completed the program and reaffirmed support for their continued development toward counselor roles.