The Joys and Challenges of School Counseling
A National School Counseling Week Op Ed
By Ana Báez
Báez is a Bilingual counselor at South Division High School (Milwaukee Public Schools). She is a 2025 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year, and the state’s National Teacher of the Year representative.
As a school counselor, I want to share a glimpse into what makes this role so meaningful, along with the challenges we face and how we can better work together to support our students.
The best part of being a school counselor is building authentic relationships with students and empowering them to discover their potential. Whether it’s helping them plan for their future, overcome personal obstacles, or simply offering a safe space to talk, I love seeing students grow in confidence and self-awareness.
I love witnessing the transformation of students over time. Many arrive feeling unsure or overwhelmed, but develop the tools to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and realize their potential. I remember meeting a shy 9th grader who entered school without speaking any English who then graduated as valedictorian and delivered their speech in English. Our students’ growth highlights the resilience and determination of students when we can give them the right support and encouragement.
I’m so proud that today, I can offer my students and their families something I never had: the ability to connect and communicate in Spanish. I can speak to parents in their native language, ensuring they feel understood and informed about their child’s education and well-being.
Growing up, I struggled to find my own voice in education and I often felt misunderstood. My mother never had the opportunity to communicate with a school counselor in her own language and relied on me to interpret for her. This aspect of my work is deeply personal, and it brings me joy to fill a void I once experienced while serving my community in a meaningful way.
Every interaction with a student reinforces why I chose this profession. Whether through individual counseling sessions, group activities, or classroom guidance lessons, I love witnessing the “lightbulb moments” when students realize they are capable of more than they believed. Being a consistent source of support during their formative years is a privilege I do not take lightly. This work isn’t just about helping students academically—it’s about guiding them to build the confidence and resilience to navigate life’s challenges. These moments of connection and growth remind me that the power of education and relationships can truly change lives.
How We Can Support Students By Supporting School Counselors
Mental Health Resources for Students: Increased access to mental health resources and smaller caseloads would allow for more individualized support. Many students are navigating challenges like stress, anxiety, trauma, or family struggles, and having the time and resources to address these would make a significant difference.
Mental health challenges have become increasingly prevalent, and students need accessible and timely support. Adding more school counselors, social workers, and psychologists to the team would enable us to provide the focused attention students deserve. When students receive the support they need, they are better equipped to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Fostering Collaboration: Open communication and teamwork between teachers, administrators, families, and counselors are essential for student success. When we work together, we can identify and address student needs more effectively. Encouraging collaboration ensures that everyone involved in a student’s education is aligned and working toward common goals.
Recognizing the Role: Understanding the full scope of a school counselor’s role is crucial. We do far more than schedule classes—we support academic, career, and social-emotional development. Recognizing the breadth of our responsibilities helps set realistic expectations and highlights the value we bring to the school community. When schools and communities appreciate and respect this multifaceted role, it leads to greater support and trust in the work we do.
Encouraging Advocacy: Advocacy is a powerful tool for driving change. Schools and communities can amplify the impact of school counselors by championing policies and initiatives that enhance our ability to serve students. From advocating for equitable access to resources to supporting professional growth opportunities, these efforts contribute to a stronger, more supportive educational system.
Streamlining Non-Counseling Tasks: Data entry, scheduling, and administrative duties take up valuable time that counselors need to focus on students. These tasks, while important, often detract from the time we can spend directly supporting students. Investing in tools and processes that reduce this burden would allow counselors to prioritize their primary role—being a resource and advocate for students.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, being a school counselor is about showing up for students every day and reminding them that they are capable, resilient, and worthy of success, and providing them the resources and helping them develop the necessary skills to make it happen. The moments when students realize their potential and overcome obstacles are the heart of this work.
This work is deeply rewarding, but it’s also demanding. With the right support from schools and communities, we can make a lasting impact together. When we prioritize collaboration, mental health, and advocacy, we create an environment where students can thrive and counselors can excel in their roles. Furthermore, it sends a powerful message: that every student matters and deserves the chance to succeed. The success of our students is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can build a brighter future for all.
Shout-Outs to My Village
The work I do is not something I can accomplish alone; it truly takes a village, and I am incredibly fortunate to have the best!
To my amazing counseling team at South Division as well as the social workers and school psychologists who work tirelessly alongside us; to the district counselors who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us.
Leadership style truly makes a difference, and we are so lucky at South Division to have some of the best. We also have amazing administrative assistants who ensure that everything runs smoothly.
My WIABE (Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education) colleagues support me with a space to grow, learn, and advocate for our students.
My work village is incredible, but my family and support system outside of work are equally vital. It truly takes a village, and I am surrounded by the most amazing people.