Guidance

What does an elementary school counselor do?

Elementary school years set the tone for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skill necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, school counselors work as a team with the school staff, parents and the community to create a caring climate and atmosphere. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, school counselors can help all children achieve academic success. The professional elementary school counselor holds a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.

Elementary School Counselors Implement the Counseling Program by Providing:

School Guidance Curriculum

Academic support, including organizational, study and test-taking skills
Goal setting and decision-making
Career awareness, exploration and planning
Education on understanding self and others
Peer relationships, coping strategies and effective social skills
Communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution
Substance abuse education
Multicultural/diversity awareness
Individual student planning

Academic planning

Goal setting/decision- making
Education on understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
Transition plans

Responsive Services

Individual and small-group counseling
Individual/family/school crisis intervention
Conflict resolution
Consultation/collaboration
Referrals

System Support

Professional development
Consultation, collaboration and teaming
Program management and operation

Biography

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Meca Story Jackson, Ed.S

Mrs. Meca Jackson is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. She is the product of the Diocese of Birmingham Catholic School System, and a proud graduate of Holy Family High School.

Upon matriculation at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she received her B.S. Degree in Sociology and began working tirelessly for the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources as a social worker for over eight years. Her career working with the youth continued as the Coordinator/Counselor for the Upward Bound Program at Lawson State Community College.

As her passion for being an advocate for children and their families grew, so did her drive to help. This desire prompted her to begin coursework at Alabama State University, where she obtained an M.S. Degree in General Counseling in 2001 and later an Ed.S Degree in General Counseling in 2005. Mrs. Jackson completed her final studies at the University of Montevallo and earned an M.Ed Degree in School Counseling in 2008.  

While Mrs. Jackson's past experience as a counselor echos in the Fairfield School system's halls, she is currently the counselor at Jonesboro Elementary School, an online psychology teacher for ACCESS Distance Learning in conjunction with the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa and the Alabama State Department of Education and serves on the Executive Board of the Birmingham America Federation of Teachers.

Mrs. Jackson currently resides in McCalla, Alabama, with her husband, Derwin, and their two children Jaden and Madison. She also enjoys real estate, shopping, traveling, and girl's night out with her friends.

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