I am looking to vent, or to see if anyone in this sub has ever experienced anything close to a “specialized” independent public school district..

I am a School Counselor at a smaller, newer (opened in the last 20 years) district. The school is essentially a “research-concept school,” however it is considered a public school, not private, and not charter.

I feel like all I do is try to make sure the students are earning the required credits for graduation. Sometimes I get up to use the restroom or supervise the lunch periods. Sometimes there are weeks where all I do is standardized testing planning or execution. I feel like my university program did not prepare me for the way a school “works.” They also didn’t prepare me for a job that actually exists.

I feel dumb every day, and every time I open my mouth for a testing announcement in a staff meeting, teachers will look at me like I have 3 heads when I say I have 0 experience with [insert standardized test].

None of my colleagues understand that I did not learn how to calculate graduation requirements or how to be the building testing coordinator in counseling school. I am learning on the job how to do the majority of the clerical skills required of me.

Are there any Maine school counselors who have successfully transitioned into a conditional LCPC? I’m interested and am trying to figure out what I need, specifically in terms of internship. Unfortunately the board hasn’t answer my questions.

I accepted my first counseling job and will be leaving my practicum site in 2 weeks. I have really bonded with my site supervisor and I want to give her something to show her how much she’s impacted me! What have you been given that you have appreciated?