Foundation Connections

Eric Cortez never set out to become a school counselor, but a conversation during his time with AmeriCorps program City Year changed everything. A teammate debating between school counseling and social work sparked something in him. He had already been working in schools, loved engaging with students in small group settings, and was drawn to helping them think about their futures. The more he observed school counselors in action, the more he realized it was the right path for him.

Now as a school counselor, Eric provides critical social-emotional learning (SEL) support to students in two elementary schools. He works with kids who need extra help managing emotions, building friendships, and solving conflicts. “I run groups or meet with students individually to teach and re-teach SEL skills,” he explains. “I also support executive functioning skills like organization, planning, and goal setting.”

 

Despite the rewarding nature of the work, school counseling often comes with misconceptions. Many believe counselors primarily handle student schedules or only work at the high school level. Others mistake their role for clinical therapy. While mental health is a key component, school counseling is about helping students develop the social and emotional tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

 

One of the biggest challenges Eric faces is the overwhelming counselor-to-student ratio. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends one counselor per 250 students, but at his schools, he’s the only counselor for nearly 1,000 students. “It gets difficult to have to prioritize which students get my services and which ones don’t,” he admits. Despite these challenges, he finds joy in his work. “The most rewarding part is just being with the students, seeing their growth, and having them light up when they see me.”

 

Eric has learned that building trust with students is the foundation of his work. He recalls one student who had witnessed a traumatic event and initially refused to talk about his feelings. Instead of forcing a conversation, Eric met him where he was—on the basketball court. “We just shot around, and over time, little conversations happened,” he says. “A couple of months later, he opened up about his experiences.” This experience solidified for Eric the power of connection. “Since that first year, I make sure to always take the relationship-first approach. It takes more time, but the results are lasting.”

 

Maintaining emotional well-being is crucial for school counselors, who often carry the weight of their students’ struggles. For Eric, self-care means clear boundaries between work and personal life. “Once I leave campus, work mode is turned off,” he says. He also prioritizes exercise by heading straight to the gym after work to decompress.

 

For those considering a career in school counseling, Eric advises getting firsthand experience working with kids. “Being in a school as an adult is completely different from being there as a student,” he says. “The key qualities of a great school counselor? Empathy and the ability to connect with students.”

 

Eric believes in the power of education and the impact a single supportive adult can have on a child’s life. “To play a positive role in young people’s lives is why I chose this profession.” His work is a testament to the vital role school counselors play in shaping the emotional and academic success of students. In a world where many students struggle to navigate their emotions and relationships, professionals like Eric offer guidance, support, and most importantly, connection.

As the demands on students grow, the need for dedicated, compassionate school counselors has never been greater. The work of professionals like Eric reminds us that even small moments of connection can have a lifelong impact. By advocating for better student-to-counselor ratios and continuing to prioritize social-emotional learning, we can ensure that every student gets the support they need to thrive.

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