An Interview With an Elementary School Guidance Counselor in Tennessee

Mrs. Ellen B. Rust is a guidance counselor at Westmeade Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee. She oversees the Westmeade School Counseling Program, which is designed to be comprehensive and developmental, with an emphasis on prevention. This includes large group guidance, small group and individual counseling, and consultation with staff, parents and community.

Mrs. Rust is a trained professional with a Masters’ in Guidance and Counseling. She provides activities to enhance students’ academic progress by addressing issues such as conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, study skills, and self-esteem. She also teaches the skills needed for coping in our fast-paced and ever-changing world.

The content of the guidance lessons and the small group discussions, although developmental, reflects the needs of the children as identified by teachers, parents, and the children themselves.

Children who are referred to the School Counselor are first met with individually, to determine needs. Anyone can make a referral; students refer themselves quite frequently. Most of these children are placed in small groups to work on interpersonal relationships, goal-setting and problem-solving skills, divorce or separation adjustment, etc. The groups meet once a week for 30-45 minutes for a period of 6-10 weeks.

Another part of the School Counseling program is consulting with parents and teachers in the areas of growth, development, and learning. The Counselor can provide resources and information to help address specific concerns, as well as develop strategies to improve communication and the learning environment.

Here is the information that Mrs. Rust provided me with:

What is your educational and experience background?

I have a BA in English; MA in Elementary Education; and a M.Ed. in Guidance & Counseling. Previous jobs I’ve had were as a copy editor, proofreader, and a secretary in various businesses. I’ve been teaching in grades 2-6 for 18 years.

Why did you choose to be a school counselor?

I like working with children, especially the K-4 age group. I like helping people solve problems.

What are the areas of your job responsibility?

I serve as an elementary school of 465 students, grades K-4. I teach guidance lessons to all classes (about 16 40-minute lessons per year); conduct several small groups (about 5 per week, Oct.-May); see 20 or so students per week in individual counseling; consult with parents, teachers, staff, and outside agencies; coordinate the guidance/counseling program to meet the needs of the students; oversee programs brought in by outside agencies (Kids on the Block, etc.); handle my own PR through newsletters, phone calls, etc. Also, I have morning and afternoon responsibilities (supervise breakfast, bus dismissal), and am a member of several committees and associations.

What kind of associations?

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA), Middle Tennessee Counseling Association (MTCA), Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA), Tennessee School Counselor Association (TSCA), and Phi Delta Kappa (Peabody Chapter). I was the internet trainer at school counseling conferences from 1994-1999. Also, I founded the International Counselor Network (ICN) in 1993, which is now sponsored by the School of Education at UT Knoxville.

What are the biggest problems you see in community health?

Biggest problems? Family change and the stresses it brings on all family members.

What are your biggest obstacles and why?

Time. I usually end the school year with 120+ referrals; I’m at 40 already. It’s hard to meet everyone’s needs. I prioritize as best I can.

What is going well in community and public health and why?

Agencies are recognizing the importance of serving schools and working more closely with school counselors.
End interview.

I chose Mrs. Rust when I discovered the WestmeadeElementary School website. I thought that it wasn’t every day that I see an elementary school’s website. When I visited the site, it surprised me when I realized that the school was in Nashville. I noticed that there was a link to the SchoolCounselingCenter. Not many schools highlight their counseling program. When I read about the program, I could see that this school cares about the developmental growth of its children. They focus on the family and stresses that a child experiences.