Educators may not wear capes, but the way they show up in students' lives makes them superheroes. Cher Kretz, a school counselor and voracious advocate, shares a story of how a small interaction made a big impact on a 3rd-grade student.

Dr. Loretta Whitson, Executive Director and leader of the California Association of School Counselors, shares a little note she received that reminds her of the impact she's made over 40 years in education, even when she can't recall it. This is the Legacy of Educators.

Anita Shirley, EdD, has many impactful stories to share from her career in education, but this story will inspire anyone to understand how important this job really is.

Every day, thousands of educators make profound positive differences for students across the nation and globe. This series, "Big Wins, Little Wins" features teachers, school counselors, and more sharing the impact they make. Alexis Goddard was named 2024 School Counselor of the Year by CASC, and shares a story of one particular student who's life trajectory was kept on track because of the power of school counseling, commitment and connection.

Students arrive at school with all of life’s complexities in tow, but so do their parents. Josh Godinez, school counselor and education leader, knows that support must go beyond students to create any real change. If we focus only on what’s happening for kids, we risk missing the struggles adults bring into the classroom environment—struggles that directly shape what those students carry. For Josh, the school building is just one part of the solution. It’s counselors, teachers, and administrators stepping up for youth, but there are other needs—often silent—that belong to parents and caregivers, too. When adults are stretched thin, isolated, or lacking support, that tension shows up in their kids’ lives at school. If a family is hurting, the student sits with that in every lesson and lunch break. The real measure of a healthy school? Whether the wider community steps in for families, not just students. That means building systems where: Parents and guardians are connected to practical resources—housing, food, job assistance. Schools are partnered up with local organizations who can fill gaps when kids or their parents need help. There’s no assumption that care stops with the school day; the “village” wraps support around everyone in it, adults included. You can’t ignore what families carry. As Josh asks, “Are we really doing a good job as a society in making sure that we’re providing?” Students and their parents need each other—and they both need a village at their backs.

Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it’s facing real challenges right now. Jami Parsons, Deputy Executive Director of the California Association of School Counselors, emphasizes that we need to hold tight to the value of K-12 public education, even as debates swirl about what schools should teach and how they should operate. Educators are under more pressure than ever, juggling high expectations and responding to a growing range of student needs. In classrooms across the country, teachers are seeing the effects—students struggling with behavior, mental health, and uncertainty about the future. More and more, teachers are turning to school counselors for help. But there aren’t enough counselors and support staff to meet the demand. School counselors play a vital role in helping students navigate challenges, stay focused on their goals, and prepare for life beyond graduation. As pressure on public education increases, investing in strong counseling programs is more important than ever.

For many students, it’s easy to feel lost, unmotivated, or like you don’t fit in. At the start of middle school, Anya, a Southern California middle schooler, knew this feeling well. Anya’s counselor, Miss B, created a space where she could open up, share her worries, and truly be herself. Just having someone to listen made it easier for Anya to come to school each day. Stories like Anya’s show the real power of school counselors. They’re there when students need someone to talk to, when they need help finding their place, or when they just need to know they aren’t alone. For many students, a counselor’s support makes all the difference between struggling in silence and finding the confidence to thrive.

School counselors play a crucial role in student well-being that goes far beyond academics. Amber Thompson, a high school counselor in Southern California, says her goal is to make every student feel like “the one” when they walk into her office. Many students don’t feel seen, heard, or validated at home, and these basic needs are often more important than any academic issue. Research shows that students who feel supported and connected at school are more likely to succeed, both academically and emotionally. Counseling programs that focus on relationships, social-emotional skills, and genuine care lead to better attendance, higher graduation rates, and improved mental health. Simple acts—a smile, a hug, honest feedback—can make all the difference for a student who feels invisible. Amber’s approach is to meet students where they are, offer validation, and hold them to high standards, regardless of their background. In a time when many young people feel overlooked, school counselors are often the steady presence students need most.

Students bring their whole lives with them to school. Patty Taylor, a veteran teacher, elementary school counselor, and assistant executive director and treasurer of CASC, knows this firsthand. She’s spent decades in classrooms and counseling offices, witnessing the real stories behind the faces in every desk—family upheaval, trauma, and loss. The reality for educators is that you can’t address every challenge a child faces, but you also can’t pretend those challenges don’t exist. Ignoring them isn’t an option, not if you want students to learn and thrive. When students aren’t comfortable and emotionally supported, academic learning takes a back seat. This is where the profession of school counseling takes center stage. Long gone are the days of just schedule changes and college applications. School counselors across California and the country are leading the push for social and emotional health to be taken seriously in schools. The work isn’t easy. It demands empathy, awareness, and a willingness to speak up for students who might not have anyone else in their corner. But as Patty’s experience shows, it’s the foundation for any real progress in schools. So, pay attention to what students are carrying with them. Make space for their stories. And remember that real learning begins with real human connections.

Many families and educators want students to leave school ready to work with others, speak up for themselves, and handle real-world challenges. These are not extra skills - they are essential for life after graduation, whether a student chooses college, a job, the military, or something else. Jill Cook, Executive Director of the American School Counselor Association, spoke with AIT at the 2024 California Association of School Counselors conference about the barriers counselors face in teaching these skills. Even saying “social and emotional learning” is discouraged or restricted in some parts of the country. This puts counselors in a tough spot. They are asked to help students grow in ways everyone agrees are important, but sometimes must do so without naming the work directly. Instead of giving up, counselors have adapted. They might call these lessons “life skills” or “student standards.” The name changes, but the purpose stays the same. Counselors still teach students to manage emotions, work in teams, and make good decisions. The research is clear: students who learn these skills are more resilient and better prepared for life after high school. The challenge is even greater for students who are most at risk, like LGBTQ youth and students of color. These students face higher rates of mental health concerns and suicide attempts. When policies limit explicit support, counselors look for other ways to let students know they are not alone. Sometimes this means working quietly within the rules, sometimes it means finding creative ways to offer support. Educators and counselors often take on this work because they care deeply about helping students succeed. When new rules or politics make it harder to do their jobs, many respond by finding new paths forward. They build relationships, find allies, and keep looking for ways to help students feel seen and supported. What stands out is the persistence and commitment of school counselors. No matter what the rules say, they keep showing up for students. They know that helping students build real-life skills is not about a label or a buzzword. It is about making sure every student has the tools they need to succeed, even when the path is not straightforward. For more resources and support, the American School Counselor Association offers guidance at schoolcounselor.org.

The conversation around educator well-being was front and center at the 2024 California Association of School Counselors conference. Across the country, teachers, counselors, and school staff are being asked to serve as lifelines for students and families, often while quietly struggling with their own mental health. The challenge isn’t just about individual resilience; it’s about whether the education system itself is set up to support the people at its core. Ashley Kruger, an Educational Consultant with Hatching Results and a recognized leader in school counseling, captured this dilemma. She pointed out that while educators are expected to provide stability and care for students, they often lack access to the same supports and services for themselves. Many educators face barriers to mental health resources, whether due to time, stigma, or simply not knowing where to turn. The result is a stretched-thin workforce, expected to model resilience and self-regulation without the infrastructure to sustain it. One of the most important ideas to emerge from the conference was the need to move beyond “one and done” approaches to self-care. It’s common for schools to offer a week of wellness activities or a day of appreciation, but as many educators noted, these gestures, while appreciated, don’t address the deeper need for ongoing support. True self-care for educators isn’t about a single event or a temporary perk. It’s about embedding care into the daily fabric of school life, with districts investing real time and resources so that self-care becomes a regular, supported practice, not just an afterthought. There’s also a growing recognition that appreciation, while important, isn’t enough on its own. Feeling valued is meaningful, but it doesn’t automatically build the skills or resilience needed to navigate the daily challenges of teaching. Systemic change means creating space for educators to process stress, access mental health services, and participate in activities that genuinely restore their energy. This could look like a scheduled time for mindfulness, peer support groups, or professional development focused on well-being. The conversation also touched on the ripple effect of educator well-being. When teachers and counselors are supported, they are better able to show up for students, not just academically, but emotionally. A healthy, resilient staff models the very skills and attitudes that students need to thrive. Conversely, when educator self-care is neglected, it becomes harder to break cycles of burnout and disengagement. A key takeaway from these discussions is that educator self-care must be seen as a collective, systemic responsibility. It’s not just up to individuals to “try harder” to take care of themselves; schools and districts need to create environments where self-care is possible and prioritized. This shift requires leadership, investment, and a willingness to rethink how we define success in education. For those seeking practical guidance and evidence-based strategies, Ashley Kruger’s work with Hatching Results and her contributions to books like Hatching Tier Two and Three Interventions in Your Elementary School Counseling Program offer hands-on tools for building supportive school systems.

At the 2024 California Association of School Counselors conference, one of the main topics was how to create real, positive change in schools. Students are asking themselves if things will ever get better, or if school is just about surviving stress and disappointment. This mindset affects not just their academic performance, but also their motivation and mental health. During our interview at the conference, school counselor Cher Kretz pointed out that a shift in how we talk with students can make a meaningful difference. Instead of focusing only on what’s going wrong, she and others recommend asking students about what’s working, even if it’s something small. For example, a question like “What helped you get through yesterday?” can help students recognize their own strengths and see that improvement is possible. This approach, which is rooted in solution-focused counseling, is being used more widely to help students build hope and resilience. Many students don’t have an adult they feel comfortable turning to, so even small gestures from teachers or counselors, like checking in, listening, or offering encouragement, can have a big impact. Cher also emphasized that sometimes, a short conversation where a student feels heard is enough to help them feel less alone and more supported. The pressures students face outside of school, such as social media, family stress, and uncertainty about the future, were also part of the conversation. Schools are starting to respond by offering more mental health resources, providing quiet spaces for students to take a break, and making it easier to ask for help without embarrassment. Flexibility and understanding are becoming more important as schools recognize the range of challenges students bring with them each day. The overall message from the conference was that turning schools around doesn’t require dramatic, sweeping changes. Instead, it’s about small, consistent efforts: focusing on hope, building relationships, and celebrating small wins. When students believe things can get better and know someone at school cares about them, they’re more likely to stay engaged and succeed. For practical strategies and real-life examples, Cher Kretz shares advice and stories on her podcast, The Focused Mindset, and at TheFocusedMindset.com. You'll also benefit from her inspirational Ted X Talk and more.

In an age where information is at our fingertips, the disconnect between parents and the education system has never been more pronounced. As technology rapidly evolves, children are exposed to a wealth of information that often leaves parents feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. The challenge is clear: how do we equip parents with the tools they need to support their children’s education effectively? "We have to have a united front in front of the kids. It's kind of like when mom and dad have different parenting styles, the kids pick up on that and use that to their advantage. Well, if parents and teachers and educators aren't together, kids are going to pick up on that too, and it's not going to be a good thing in the classroom." - Nicole Vitto, School Counselor, ATS: Common Ground The reality is that many parents want to be involved but often feel lost in the complexities of the modern educational landscape. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that nearly 90% of parents believe that parental involvement is crucial for their child's academic success. Yet, many feel ill-equipped to engage meaningfully due to a lack of resources and guidance from schools. Parents today are juggling work, household responsibilities, and the demands of daily life, leaving little time to navigate the intricacies of their children's education. This disparity leads to a disconnect, where parents are unaware of the educational content their children are encountering online. Moreover, the rise of misinformation on the internet exacerbates parents' fears. Many are left questioning what resources they can trust. According to a 2021 report from the Pew Research Center, 64% of parents express concern about the accuracy of information their children find online. This anxiety can create barriers to effective communication between parents and educators, ultimately impacting students' learning experiences. To address these challenges, schools must prioritize providing parents with the necessary tools and information. Workshops, informational sessions, and open communication channels can empower parents to confidently engage with their children's education. Research from the Harvard Family Research Project indicates that when schools actively involve parents, students demonstrate higher academic achievement and improved behavior. Schools need to foster an environment where parents feel welcomed and included in the educational process. By creating a culture of collaboration, schools can ensure that parents and educators are working toward the same goals, ultimately benefiting the students. This partnership is vital; when parents are informed and engaged, they can reinforce what is being taught at school in their homes, creating a consistent message for students. Furthermore, investing in parent education can alleviate fears and misconceptions surrounding the educational system. When parents understand the curriculum and teaching methods, they can better support their children’s learning and development. As a result, children are more likely to thrive academically and socially, knowing that their parents and teachers are aligned in their approaches. The path forward is clear: by empowering parents with the tools and knowledge they need to support their children's education, we can create a more cohesive and effective educational system. This is not just about improving individual lives; it’s about investing in the collective future of our society. It’s crucial to recognize that parents are not just stakeholders; they are vital partners in the educational journey. By working together, we can ensure that every child has the support they need to succeed, paving the way for a brighter future for all. The goal is to create an educational environment where parents and educators collaborate seamlessly, providing children with the best possible foundation for their growth and development.

The term "equity" often sparks heated debates when it's brought up in the context of education, raising concerns among parents, educators, and policymakers. Many fear that focusing on equity might mean lowering standards or implementing unfair advantages. Luckily, these apprehensions usually stem from misunderstandings about what educational equity truly means and aims to achieve. At its core, educational equity is about ensuring every child has a fair opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. It's not about guaranteeing equal outcomes, but rather about providing the necessary resources and support to level the playing field. As noted by the National School Boards Association, "Educational equity means that every student has access to the resources and educational rigor they need at the right moment in their education, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, language, disability, family background, or family income." The reality of educational inequity in America is stark and rooted in systemic issues. School funding, largely based on local property taxes, creates vast disparities between districts. A 2019 report by EdBuild found that predominantly white school districts received $23 billion more in funding than districts serving mostly students of color, despite serving a similar number of students. These financial differences manifest in teacher quality, educational resources, and learning opportunities available to students. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these pre-existing inequalities. According to a McKinsey & Company report, students in majority-Black schools ended the 2020-21 school year with six months of unfinished learning, compared to four months for students in majority-white schools. This widening gap underscores the urgent need for equitable solutions in education. Critics worry that focusing on equity might lead to a "race to the bottom" in academic achievement or result in reverse discrimination. However, research suggests otherwise. A study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that schools implementing equity-focused policies saw improvements in academic achievement across all student groups, not just those traditionally underserved. Addressing these inequities requires systemic change, but it doesn't mean compromising educational excellence. The Learning Policy Institute suggests several evidence-based strategies, including reforming school funding models, investing in early childhood education, providing comprehensive support services in underserved schools, and implementing culturally responsive teaching practices. As we move forward in this conversation, it's crucial to approach the topic with openness and empathy. Understanding that equity is about fairness and opportunity, not preferential treatment, can help alleviate fears and foster productive dialogue. The American Psychological Association emphasizes that "equity in education requires putting systems in place to ensure that every child has an equal chance for success." Equity in education isn't a zero-sum game. When we ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential, our society becomes stronger, our economy more robust, and our future brighter. As stated by the Economic Policy Institute, "Providing a high-quality education to all children is critical to America's economic future."

In the ongoing dialogue about Generation Z, a crucial voice often goes unheard – that of educators who work with these young people daily. Ashley Jaron, a high school teacher, offers a compelling perspective: "We blame the kids... But at the same time, we as adults are failing them in a lot of areas and then blaming them for our failures when we see the results." This insight challenges us to reconsider our approach to today's youth. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is navigating a world vastly different from the one we experienced in our adolescence. As Ms. Jaron points out, "We were given a safer country to live in... We didn't have cell phones the way they have cell phones." The statistics underscore the unique challenges facing this generation. A 2019 Pew Research Center study found that 70% of teens see anxiety and depression as major problems among their peers. This mental health crisis is exacerbated by constant connectivity and social media pressures. Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychologist studying generational differences, notes, "The biggest difference between Gen Z and other generations is in their mental health. They're much more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety". This observation aligns with Jaron's concern about the impact of our judgments on Gen Z's mental well-being. Despite these challenges, Gen Z demonstrates remarkable resilience and potential. A 2021 report by McKinsey & Company highlights that this generation is more ethnically diverse, better educated, and more tech-savvy than any before it. They're leading movements for social justice and creating innovative solutions to global problems. However, as Ms. Jaron reminds us, "Their brains are not fully developed. They're teenagers." This biological fact is often overlooked in our rush to judgment. Dr. Frances Jensen, author of "The Teenage Brain," explains, "The teenage brain is only about 80 percent of the way to maturity. Their frontal lobes are not yet fully connected". Ms. Jaron's call to action is clear: "I wish everyone would see that someone raised them and it was us. And this is the result and we owe it to them to fix it." This statement underscores our responsibility to provide support and understanding, rather than criticism. To truly support Gen Z, we need to: 1. Invest in mental health resources in schools and communities. 2. Adapt educational curricula to include digital literacy and emotional intelligence. 3. Create open dialogues to understand and address their unique challenges. 4. Recognize and nurture their potential instead of focusing on perceived shortcomings. As we move forward, it's crucial to heed the words of both educators like Ms. Jaron and researchers studying this generation. By shifting our perspective and taking concrete action, we can help Gen Z navigate their complex world more effectively. After all, as Ms. Jaron poignantly states, "We're never going to see their full potential because they're not going to believe they have it." It's time we change that narrative.

Kids don’t often go out of their way to express deep feelings, so when they do, we must seize the opportunity for connection and community building! One day, Teresa Campbell, a middle school teacher at North Parkway Middle School in Jackson, TN, noticed her students were unusually emotional and distracted. Rather than pushing forward with her lesson plan, she made a pivotal decision: to stop teaching and start listening. This choice underscores a fundamental yet often overlooked principle in education: the power of listening. By simply listening, Teresa transformed not just the culture of the classroom but also created space for learning to truly bloom. Modern neuroscience reveals why making room for connection and creating space for vulnerability and expression is so powerful. When teachers truly listen, they engage more than just the auditory parts of the brain; they activate neural pathways linked to empathy and emotional processing. According to research from the University of California, Berkeley, creating an environment where students feel safe to express their emotions can significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels. This reduction in stress allows students to be more open to learning, fostering a deeper connection to the material and to each other. The benefits of fostering connection in the classroom are backed by solid research. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that classrooms where teachers prioritize listening and connection see better student engagement, improved behavior, and higher academic achievement. By paying attention to their students’ emotional needs, teachers gain valuable insights into the challenges they face, allowing them to tailor their teaching more effectively. Listening is also crucial for building an inclusive classroom environment. This is especially vital in diverse settings where students might feel marginalized. When educators make space for students to share their experiences and emotions, it bridges cultural and social gaps, fostering a more supportive and harmonious learning atmosphere. This approach helps students feel respected and understood, enhancing their willingness to participate and engage. To effectively integrate listening into the classroom, teacher training programs need to emphasize interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. All It Takes Professional development workshops can equip educators with strategies for creating these connections, such as open-ended questioning and reflective feedback. Additionally, educational policies should support smaller teacher-to-student ratios and encourage the use of teaching aids that allow teachers to focus more on individual students. This ensures that teachers can respond to students' needs in real-time, rather than being confined to rigid lesson plans. Ms. Campbell’s experience with her classroom, in only her first year as a teacher, is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of noticing and responding to what students need in the moment. By making connection and listening a priority, educators can enhance learning outcomes, support students' emotional well-being, and create a nurturing educational environment. Moving forward, let’s champion the cause of paying attention to our students, ensuring that every student not only learns but feels genuinely heard. Life is messy, and sometimes the best teaching happens when we pause to truly listen and engage in real discussions.

School finance is notoriously complex. As Justine Fischer expresses, "Do you know how complicated school finance is to get anything done? It shouldn't take 25 different regulations to pay the electric bill." Her frustration truly captures a widespread challenge in education systems nationwide—balancing the necessity of regulation with the pressing need to focus on student learning. The layers of regulations governing school finances were largely instituted as responses to past mismanagement and legal challenges. While these rules aim to ensure transparency and accountability, they also come with a significant downside: they can divert attention from educational goals. Educators find themselves mired in paperwork, struggling to navigate a sea of bureaucratic requirements that can seem disconnected from the classroom. Research reveals the extent of this bureaucratic burden. According to a report by the Center for American Progress, administrative tasks consume about one-third of a school's budget—funds that might otherwise be directed towards enhancing student learning experiences. Moreover, educators spend countless hours on compliance tasks that could be spent teaching, planning lessons, or engaging with students. The question then arises: Could these processes be simplified without compromising accountability? Many experts believe so. Streamlining administrative procedures can free up resources—both time and money—for direct educational purposes. For example, integrating technology and automating certain financial operations could reduce the manual workload and minimize errors, making the system both efficient and transparent. Prioritizing children in the educational ecosystem means reassessing how administrative tasks impact teacher availability and student interaction. Schools need to ensure that administrative necessities do not overshadow the fundamental goal of education—enhancing student learning. Advocates argue for a shift in focus from stringent compliance to flexible policies that empower educators to make decisions best suited for their students' growth. This conversation about school finance reform is part of a larger dialogue on how to optimize educational environments. It ties into broader discussions about educational equity, resource allocation, and the effectiveness of current educational policies. As education systems evolve, finding the right balance between necessary oversight and operational efficiency remains a key challenge. Reevaluating and potentially simplifying the regulatory framework around school finances could have far-reaching benefits for educational quality and efficiency. By reducing the administrative load, we can redirect energies towards what truly matters: providing students with the quality education they deserve. As the educational community continues to debate these issues, the ultimate goal remains clear—putting children first, and ensuring they receive the attention and resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex world.