Mission
The mission of the Benjamin Franklin International School counseling program is to support students socially and emotionally in order to increase academic and personal success. The counselors aim to help students identify obstacles in the following areas: their success as learners, their physical and emotional wellness and safety, and their feelings of social membership. The counselors serve as liaisons between the home, school, and community, and as such, the counseling program is one of advocacy and empowerment of our students, teachers and families. It is our goal to allow for an environment where students feel safe, optimistic and prepared for success when they come to school each day.
The BFIS Counseling Department believes:
- We believe all students contribute to the community.
- We believe that students often possess the solutions to their own problems and that when they are given guidance and a chance to reflect and talk in a safe environment, they will be able to articulate their feelings and develop strategies for success.
- We believe that challenges and failure should not be feared, but embraced and used as tools for further learning.
- We believe that self-esteem and academic performance are intricately linked
- We believe that good schools educate not only the mind, but the character of each student.
- We believe counselors play a key role in helping students reflect upon and develop compassion, courtesy, curiosity, and openness to diversity en route to becoming responsible global citizens.
Counseling Department Objectives
The BFIS counselors will focus on raising community awareness in the following areas:
- Peer relationships & Peer aggression
- Developing self-esteem
The counseling department will also endeavor to:
- Develop a K-12 guidance curriculum
- Explore the possibility of an advisory program
- Enhance the sense of community at BFIS via
- Peer advocacy
- Parent education
- System Support
Counselor Roles and Responsibilities
Primary Functions:
The middle and high school counselor provides a comprehensive, developmental program for students in grades 6 – 12. The counselor structures activities to meet the needs of the students; consults with teachers, staff, and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students; and works in harmony with school staff to promote the complete middle and high school program.
Major Job Responsibilities:
1. Teach the middle and high school Wellness Classes.
2. Counsel small groups and individual students.
3. Consult with teachers, staff, and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students.
4. Refer students with critical needs, in consultation with their parents, to appropriate community resources.
5. Participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
6. Advocate for all students.
7. Plan, implement, evaluate, and revise the school counseling program.
8. Demonstrate professional conduct and pursue professional growth.
Key Duties:
1. Teach the Middle and High School Wellness Classes: Faciliate a class that meets once per week for grades 7 through 10 which focuses on a balance of physical, mental, emotional, and social health. Topics include: Alcohol and Drugs, Goal Setting and Decision Making, Eating Responsibly, Peer and Family Relationships, and Sex Education
2. Counsel small groups and individual students: Conduct structured, goal-oriented counseling sessions to meet the identified needs of individuals or groups of students. Session topics may include self-concept, academic issues, behavior patterns, conflict resolution, family issues, eating disorders, and substance abuse prevention.
3. Consult with teachers, staff, and parents regarding meeting the developmental needs of students: Participate in group consultations with administrators, teachers, parents, and others to enhance their work with students; conduct in-service programs for faculty; conduct or provide opportunities for parent education programs; and assist families with school-related problems.
4. Refer students with critical needs, in consultation with their parents, to appropriate community resources: Consult and coordinate with school specialists and community agencies, such as learning and language support, administrators, community-based counselors and psychologists, service agencies, and physicians. Use an effective referral process for assisting students and others to use special programs and services.
5. Participate in activities that contribute to the effective school counseling program within the school: Establish effective liaisons with the various grade levels or instructional departments; act as an advocate for students in conjunction with other staff; facilitate Child Study Team meetings to ensure students' social, emotional, and learning needs are being met.
6. Advocate for all students: Maintain a current knowledge of equity and diversity issues; promote equal educational opportunities for all students; provide information to school staff on particular policies relating to all students; assist school staff members in the placement of students; and promote personalizing education for all students where feasible.
7. Plan, implement, evaluate, and revise the school counseling program: Review the school counseling program at least annually with staff and administration.
8. Demonstrate professional conduct and pursue professional growth: Display a positive, professional attitude and abide by professional school counseling ethical standards; attend professional development programs; join professional associations; read professional journals; attend relevant workshops and conferences sponsored by professional organizations; take post graduate courses; and share with colleagues. |
