West Virginia University students are using National School Counseling Week to highlight the vital role school counselors play in education and to draw attention to the challenges they face.
Advocacy in Action
Throughout the week, WVU students will conduct presentations and lessons, both on campus and in local schools, to advocate for increased support for school counseling programs. The WVU community is invited to Allen Hall to view decorated bulletin boards and speak directly with first-year students from the School of Education and Counseling.
Students will be available to discuss the importance of school counselors and the difficulties they encounter on Monday, February 2, from 2 to 4 p.m., and on Tuesday, February 3, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Reaching Thousands of Students
The WVU Counseling program currently has 10 interns working across counties in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. These interns are collectively serving more than 18 schools, spanning nine counties/districts, and providing support to over 9,458 students.
Counseling interns Kaytlyn Miller, working at Jayenne Elementary School in Fairmont, and Abby Taylor and Erin Smith, at Mylan Park Elementary School, will be available during scheduled media visits to their respective schools this week.
According to information shared during the advocacy week, school counselors are a necessary part of education, but are often stretched thin, managing over 400 students each, which limits their ability to provide comprehensive care.
What’s Next?
This week’s activities could lead to increased dialogue about the need for more school counselors and better resource allocation. It is possible that increased awareness will prompt further discussion among educators and policymakers. A possible next step could be a review of counselor-to-student ratios in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Analysts expect continued advocacy from future counseling students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National School Counseling Week?
National School Counseling Week is a movement to raise awareness of the importance of school counselors and the challenges they are facing.
Where can I learn more about the WVU Counseling program?
Information about the counseling program at WVU can be found on the university’s website.
How many students are being served by WVU counseling interns?
The WVU Counseling program’s 10 interns are collectively serving more than 9,458 students.
How can communities best support the work of school counselors?
