Building My Brand

Thirteen years ago, I was a brand-new school counselor. I’ll never forget that first year. It was probably the most trying year I’ve ever had as an educator. Having taught special education for eight years prior, I was confident that my transition into this new role would be an easy one. Boy, was I wrong! I had taught in this school for one year before becoming the counselor, so I knew the staff to some degree and felt it’d be no problem gaining their trust. Wrong again! You see, in my school of 435 students, I am the only counselor. I am also considered second in command since we do not have a vice principal. I soon realized that my role here was not so clear. I wasn’t an administrator, so I wasn’t looked upon as having much authority. However, I wasn’t a teacher either, so peer and colleague dynamics were out of the question. I soon realized, in order to be the best support for the students, I had to build my brand, and fast!

Building my brand as the only counselor in the building was no easy task. It took time, persistence, confidence, humility and a lot of visibility in the building to truly build a quality program. My focus could no longer be about whether the staff liked me, which was huge for me. I realized it had to be about what is best for students. It’s that simple. I honestly can say that once that became my entire focus, the rest followed.

Truly advocating for students often means not agreeing with staff on best practices. It was up to me to find a way to share my knowledge on best practice and persuade staff members to follow. The confidence to do so came with countless hours of extra professional development and professional reading. Modeling best practice and building relationships with students was crucial to moving forward as a true partner with the staff. Being visible in the building made all the difference in “selling” my brand. I couldn’t hide in my office and hope students asked to see me. It meant that some days I didn’t get planning time, so that I could help out in the lunchroom or welcome kids at the door each morning, even though no one asked me to. Volunteering at fall festivals, PTA, school dances, clubs, etc., was key in helping the staff see that I was truly invested in this school.

With the support of my principal, I was able to demonstrate a plethora of skills that spanned much further than inside the four walls of the counseling office. Very shortly after, the data was speaking for itself. Fewer office referrals, higher scores for gap students and so much more were all being attributed to the work we were ALL doing . . . together.

Gina Crabtree is KSCA elementary vice president and the author of Mrs. Crabtree’s Counseling Corner.