Greetings!
Today I want to talk about a wonderful planning resource right in your school building - your school counselor.
Every student has a school counselor and their job is to help you with academic planning, career planning, college planning, and provide guidance when you have trouble with social or mental health issues such as bullying, anxiety, or depression just to name a few.
School counselors are amazing which is why I want to talk about them today and their role in your planning process. I work with school counselors every day, and for the last three days I've spent all of my time with them at their annual conference - though this year it was virtual.
It's one of my favorite weekends of the year because I get to hear about the amazing opportunities and programs and curriculum that school counselors are putting together to help their students plan for and achieve success.
Did you know that your school counselor is trained to help you with your academic plan. Not just collect the papers after you list the classes you want to take, but to actually talk you through course selection and help you pick classes that explore your interests, and maybe even prepare you for a future career that interests you.
Did you know that your school counselor is connected with colleges and universities and knows all about the steps to the admission process. Your school counselor can help you connect with admission representatives from schools that interest you. Not sure which schools interest you, your school counselor can help you get started on research and give you tips on questions to ask.
Is college not on your radar but you're not sure what other options are available? Your school counselor can help you learn about registered apprenticeship programs, hands-on learning through career and technical education programs, and more. They can help you explore job shadows and internships too.
You school counselor is someone that ICAN partners with because they are the 'boots on the ground' for career and college readiness. You can always connect with ICAN to help you plan and to ask questions - we are always here for you. But sometimes you may find the answer to your question is also right there in your building - in the counseling office.
So stop by and get to know your school counselor. They are eager to help you plan your next steps!
Brittania - ICAN Hiawatha Center
