The Role of the School Counselor
Hello, my name is Kate Kersey and I am the Elementary School Counselor at IST. I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling with a specialization in School and Community Counseling as well as training in play therapy. As the School Counselor, my job is to assist all students EC1-Grade 5, their families, and teachers have the most successful school year possible.
The primary focus of IST Elementary School Counseling is prevention. My goal is to help empower students with self-knowledge, coping, and life skills. I provide various services to the IST community, including classroom guidance lessons, individual and group counseling, and consultation with parents or teachers.
Counselors have special training in how to help children solve problems, make decisions, and stand up for themselves. I help students not just by listening and talking; sometimes I like to use toys and puppets, play games, paint, draw, create clay sculptures, dance, and use other means of expression to help children share their feelings. That doesn't mean that I will wave a magic wand and the problem will go away. But it does mean I can help kids cope with their problems. Coping is another important word to know. Sometimes, kids and grown-ups have difficult problems. Coping means that someone is trying to handle these problems and make things better. My goal is to make your child’s school experience the best it can be. I will take your child’s problem seriously and help find a solution.
School Counselors know how to listen and can help children with life's challenges. When anyone comes to talk with me, I keep all of our conversation confidential. That’s an important word—it means that I don’t tell anyone else what you share with me in a counseling session. This way I build trust with my students and their families and we are able to move toward healthy growth and change together. I always ask permission before I share information with anyone.
As part of the IST team, I sometimes play a part in discipline issues. I assist and provide support if your child has a discipline issue, however, I am careful that my role is not confused with a disciplinarian. I do not provide discipline and will work with your child on wise decision making, anger management, etc, no sooner than 1 school day after the disciplinary consequence.
Just a Few of the Many Reasons Why Different People See the Counselor
Students
- To get a gigantic hug from Kate!
- I am new here and I miss my old friends.
- Everything’s fine. I just wanted to talk!
- How can I learn to relax before I give a report in class?
- I can’t control my anger…HELP!
- I get stressed every time I have to take a test.
- I’m sick of being bullied and want help to stop it.
- Someone special in my life has died and I don’t know what to do.
- I’m having problems paying attention and following directions in class.
Parents
- My child has nightmares and trouble going to sleep.
- How do I talk to my child about ____________? (death, divorce, etc)
- My child is having difficulties learning/has a learning disability.
- We are new to IST and my child is having a hard transition. What can I do to help?
- We are moving away from Dar es Salaam. We’ve lived here many years. I’m afraid moving will be difficult on my child. What can I do?
- My child won’t listen to a word I say!
- I’ve noticed that my child is not making many friends. What should I do?
- I notice that my child is anxious about ________. What do you suggest?
Teachers
- My class is behaving poorly. Please help!
- A student in my class is going through a family change, what can I do to support her?
- I notice that one of my students is having difficulty in certain academic areas, what can I do to help him be successful?
- I am hearing a lot of complaints about teasing and bullying. What can I do in my classroom to help this problem?
Other Resources and Services Provided by the Counselor
- Parent books/information in counselor’s office
- Parent workshops
- Teacher in-services and professional development
- Community links and brochures
- Outside counseling referrals
- Transition services for families moving to and from IST.
Never hesitate to call me at 215-3443 or email me if there is anything you'd ever like to discuss about your child. I look forward to meeting you!
