Student life can often be more complicated than we realize. Aside from the pressures to perform well at school and get along with peers, students are faced with unique challenges that can often affect both their school and home life. And so, it’s important to provide them with a safe space they can turn to for support and guidance. This is where school counselors come in.
School counselors play a vital role in the education system as they serve as guiding lights to students who need a helping hand. They dedicate their lives to ensuring every student has the chance to succeed and live a fulfilling life. That’s why this week, we celebrate school counselors and honor their immeasurable contributions to society.
What You Need to Know About School Counseling Week 2024
This year, National School Counseling Week falls on February 5 to 9 with the theme, “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused.” Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), this event is meant to highlight the significant impact school counselors can have on students, especially when it comes to their school life and future.
Utilizing the power of social media, people are encouraged to use the hashtag, #NSCW24, when posting about School Counseling Week 2024. ASCA has also provided prompts for each day, which you can find on the official celebration page.
How You Can Celebrate School Counseling Week 2024
School counselors do so much to empower students. Now, it’s their time.
School Counselors, Celebrate Yourself!
If you are a school counselor, you might be wondering how you can celebrate yourself and your profession this week. One way you can do so is to advocate for yourself. It’s the perfect time to speak about your experiences and push for positive change within your field. Take up space and let your voice be heard. You deserve it!
Another fun thing you can do is to celebrate with your fellow school counselors. Organize fun activities that allow you to bond with your colleagues and learn from each other’s experiences. It’s not only a great opportunity to network, but it can also be a refreshing experience for everyone.
Lastly, treat yourself. Again, you deserve it! Whether it’s ordering your favorite food for lunch or buying yourself something nice, find different ways to treat yourself this week.
How You Can Honor Your School Counselors
National School Counseling Week 2024 is the perfect time to think about the school counselors in your life and how you can show them your appreciation. If you’re unsure of what to do this week, we’ve got you covered.
For Schools
One of the simplest yet most important things schools can do is to recognize this celebration. Not everyone is aware of National School Counseling Week, so by making sure the whole school knows, you’re opening up opportunities for different people to show their appreciation for school counselors.
You can put up signs and fun decorations or take a moment out of the morning assembly to highlight your school counselors and what they do for the school. You can even set up a simple gathering at the end of the week for the whole staff to celebrate and have fun.
It’s also important to remember the power words can have. Sometimes, all it takes is to approach your school counselors personally and let them know that they’re doing a good job. This can also open up important conversations on how you can help make a better work environment for your school counselors. Listen to them and let them know that they are heard.
For Students and Parents
If a school counselor has ever helped you or your child, one of the best things you can do this week is to drop by their office to let them know how much you appreciate what they’ve done and the impact they had. Because at the end of the day, the best part of the job is making a difference in the lives of kids.
If you’re not able to verbally show your appreciation, why not write it down instead? ‘Thank You’ cards are always a great thing to receive, especially if they’re handmade. Get creative with your card and don’t forget to write a personalized message.
For added fun, you can even go the gift route and get them something nice. Whether it’s baking them delicious cupcakes or buying them a book they’ll love, your school counselor will definitely appreciate it.
School Counseling Week 2024: A Celebration of Dedication
Highlighting the importance of school counselors, National School Counseling Week is not just an event, but a celebration of dedication. School counselors contribute so much to the overall education system, and it’s time that we give back to them. This week, don’t forget to show some love to the school counselors in your life. Whether you go big or small, what matters is that they feel valued by the people in their community.
To all our school counselors out there, we wish you a Happy National School Counseling Week! You are all so truly amazing and we appreciate all the hard work you pour into guiding the youth of today. May your week shine as brightly as you do!
Do you know any school counselors that are as amazing as you? Send your appreciation to your fellow school counselors this National School Counseling Week by telling them about our referral program. When you refer a school counselor to Epic, we will pay you a $1,000 bonus when your referral reaches their contract milestone. Plus, we will make a donation to the charitable organization of your choice. Anyone can make referrals and there is no limit to the number of bonuses you can earn!
Epic Special Education Staffing is a national Special Education talent and staffing solutions firm that values and empowers educators and clinicians nationwide. Our personal, hands-on approach enables us to find fulfilling roles for our candidates that align with their lifestyle. Get in touch with us today!
