Shout from the rooftops: how to advocate for your role in school

In the bustling world of education, school counsellors often find themselves in a unique and solitary position.

We are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly behind the scenes, guiding students towards brighter futures. Nevertheless, the intricate nature of our work can often leave us feeling isolated and misunderstood.

That is why it is crucial to advocate for yourself as a school counsellor, and to promote your vital role to the senior leadership team and the wider school community.

School counsellors, despite their active involvement in various aspects of school life, often belong to numerous teams, collaborate with different departments and engage with students across the academic spectrum.

Yet their unique position means that they rarely have a dedicated team of their own – they’re much more likely to be navigating their role solo.

Making your contributions more visible in school

Their solitude is compounded by the fact that, while they are summoned to myriad meetings, their calls for assistance are seldom met with the depth of understanding they require. When the perplexing world of college applications or career choices beckons, it is often the counsellors themselves who must untangle the complexities. Few in a school truly understand the intricacies of the application process, the nuances of required documents, subject combinations for specific majors or the diverse entry requirements for universities across the globe.

However, the journey towards effective advocacy begins with self-awareness. Recognising the unique skill set and expertise that counsellors possess is the first step towards promoting your role. Acknowledging that counsellors are the linchpins of a school’s emotional and academic support system is vital. Once you have this level of self-awareness, you can then focus on making your contributions more visible in your school.

Advocating for yourself as a school counsellor is not merely about personal recognition – it’s about strengthening the entire school community. By promoting the vital role of counsellors within the senior leadership team, counsellors can enhance their impact on students’ lives and contribute significantly to the school’s success.

In advocating for the school counselling profession, we open doors to improved understanding, support and collaboration. By making our voices heard, we ensure that the vital work we do is valued and integrated into the fabric of our educational institutions.

How to advocate for yourself and your role

Advocating for yourself and your role as a school counsellor is essential for personal growth and for enhancing the educational experience for students. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Showcase your work

Begin by sharing regular updates with your senior leadership team about counselling events, workshops and initiatives. Invite them to witness first-hand how you manage outreach with universities and how you support students in their college application journeys.

2. Highlight your unique responsibilities

Emphasise the distinctive aspects of your role. Explain to your senior leadership team how you are the central point of contact for students dealing with different time zones, showcasing the global perspective you bring to the school community.

3. Provide a detailed job description – and add to your contract

Offer a comprehensive job description that outlines the duties, responsibilities and qualifications required for your role. This not only demonstrates your professionalism but also helps senior leadership to understand the depth and breadth of your contributions.

4. Share professional development

Keep your senior leadership team informed about your ongoing professional development. Let them see that you are constantly learning and growing to stay current in the field. Share your experiences attending conferences, visiting universities and delivering workshops.

5. Position yourself as a school marketer

Highlight your role as a school marketer, emphasising how you contribute to the school’s image and reputation on a global scale. Illustrate how your work serves as a bridge to universities across the globe.

6. Emphasise your integral role in the school

Make it clear that you are not just an adviser for college applications or curriculum choices. Explain how you impact every facet of the school community, from marketing and outreach to shaping the overall teaching and learning experience.

The gatekeepers to students’ futures

The intricacies of the school counselling role and the profound impact it has on students may remain largely hidden from the spotlight, but it is high time we acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous potential of school counsellors to bringing their vital role to the forefront of our educational narratives.

We need to recognise that counsellors serve as the gatekeepers to students’ futures, holding the keys to the world of higher education and career aspirations. It’s time to elevate their role from the shadows to the spotlight, ensuring that every student’s journey is guided by these dedicated professionals.