Counselors: The Unsung Heros

 Every teacher, regardless of public, charter, private, Deaf school, etc. has at least one story where a student's outbursts caused a disruption to learning and distracted others. Outbursts do not only mean academic, but can be emotional (home life, insecurities, stressed) or the the extent of putting themselves and/or others in harm. In my experience, teachers do have the initial responsibility of deescalating the situation.  However, counselors are the ones responsible for checking in after and "talking" the situation out.

Two different people hands holding 

Teachers are responsible for multiple students at the time, so the one on one intimacy counselors can provide is desperately needed sometimes. Counselors have a role to work out matters. In a way, they could be defined as problem solvers. If a plan needs to be decided in order to limit or completely erase (the goal) outbursts in the future. It is on their hands to communicate this with the teacher(s) working directly with the student in discussion. 

Unfortunately, in my experience, it is limited to see a counselor uplifting their role as needed. Teachers spend the most time the student and can understand their needs and intentions better sometimes. Mental health is an important matter at all ages. Children can hide their true feelings far too well. They might be experiencing trauma that they are unaware of at the time. Therefore, having active counselors that work with students in so incredibly important. However, an even better counselor works with the teacher as well. In order to provide aid to minimize the disruptions so class can continue as desired. Just the extra body, eyes, listening ears, and open heart can make the world of a difference in a school environment. Because of these reasons counselors are critical and deserve the upmost respect.