National School Counseling Week, observed from February 3 through February 7, highlights the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth. This week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and impact of school counselors who work tirelessly to guide, advocate, and empower students to reach their full potential. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of providing students with the resources, encouragement, and support they need to navigate their educational journey.
In honor of National School Counseling Week, we are spotlighting several of our school counselors and the invaluable work they do. Karen Mussig, a school counselor at Lenihan Intermediate School, is one of many dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to create a positive and welcoming school environment where students feel heard, supported, and prepared for success.
Learn more about their experiences and insights by reading Mussig's responses to the following Q&A:
What inspired you to pursue a career in school counseling?
I chose to become a school counselor because I wanted a career in which I could combine my passion for education with my love of working with children and families.
How do MCSD’s programs or resources support your efforts to help students thrive?
The school district supports school counselor's efforts with their commitment to providing relevant professional development, the implementation of Responsive Classroom practices K-6, a system of collecting meaningful data to support students, mental health and community agency partnerships, food banks located within our school buildings, translators, attendance specialists and Student Resource Specialist who are able to work collaboratively with school counselors to help support our students and families as well as the staff throughout our buildings.
What makes Marshalltown’s approach to counseling unique?
MCSD is a progressive district that thinks creatively for solutions to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of all learners to succeed beyond our walls. MCSD recognizes that students do not come to us as isolated individuals but rather from families. The Welcome Center provides a way to get families connected within our community right from the start.
What do you find most rewarding about serving students and families in MCSD?
Working for MCSD, I get to see smiling faces from across the globe! It is a daily reminder of what a blessing it is to live and work right here in rural Iowa!
What’s the most rewarding part of being a counselor?
Being a school counselor is a rewarding profession as I get to see the treasure within the students that I work with. It is a true joy to help students discover what makes them uniquely awesome. I feel honored to be a part of each of my students' educational journeys as they become "life ready."
What does it mean to you to Embrace The Lead?
Embrace The Lead to me means having the courage to use your gifts and talents to support the mission of MCSD.