Educators are incredible. School staff, teachers, and counselors welcome hundreds of students each day; find ways to simultaneously support the academic, social, and emotional growth of each student; create shared experiences and opportunities for a wide range of students from disparate backgrounds; check in with students who may be struggling at school or at home; and ensure that students are ready for life beyond school in a context of shrinking budgets, high stakes testing, and teacher shortages. And they do this for 180 days each year. 

Student success relies on educators who go well above and beyond the roles listed in their job description. And, all too often, families, administrators, and communities take this essential and vital work for granted. In this season of gratitude, we want to pause, reflect on, and share thanks for the thoughtful and supportive actions counselors and educators take each day to positively impact the lives of students.

You Work Tirelessly to Meet the Unique Needs of Each Student 

Each school includes a broad diversity of students–with students of varying backgrounds, with different approaches to challenges, and who need a unique set of supports to be successful. Counselors and educators must have systems in place that meet this wide range of student needs–whether they require guidance on getting through their coursework to achieve a passing grade, assistance reviewing their essays for admission to a college or university, or anything in between. And counselors must be able to shift quickly and nimbly between these different support roles, often several times in a given day. 

You Are There to Help Students During Challenging Times

Because counselors and educators are often some of the most consistent individuals in a student’s life, they play a significant role in supporting students as they face adversity. Oftentimes, they are the first to notice when something is off with a particular student and they create space and time in their day to have one-on-one conversations showing care or connecting students with resources so they can plan the best next steps. These efforts ensure that students do not lose connection to school and their goals as they face barriers, obstacles, or challenges. 

You Are a Critical Part of Preparing Students for Their Future 

A primary role for secondary counselors and educators is to prepare students for their lives after high school–making sure each student finds a postsecondary pathway that aligns with their strengths, interests, and dreams for the future. Because of this, the stakes can feel so high. Counselors and educators often take special care to recognize the unique attributes of each student and help them engage with opportunities that nurture and develop these qualities. They find ways to help students to connect who they are, what they enjoy, and what they want to do in the future. Going forward with this reflective and thoughtful approach is often the critical element to students realizing a future that is both fulfilling and allows for a good quality of life. 

Thank You for Showing Up Each Day to Do this Meaningful Work 

From all of us at SchooLinks who deeply understand the transformational power counselors and educators can have on students’ wellbeing and success, thank you for all you do. Thank you for continuing to come to work each day, despite often challenging conditions and endless to do lists. Thank you for constantly filling in gaps, usually without any additional compensation or recognition. Thank you for giving students a fresh start each and every day. Thank you for finding ways to connect with students, create joy, and foster curiosity. Know that your unwavering support and dedication to ensuring that students have what they need to grow into productive and happy adults will have an impact on their lives for years to come. 

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