We cant see the news these days without seeing a report detailing the unfavorable mental health of our nations youths. All data appears to indicate a single finding: The pandemic will have long-lasting impacts on trainee psychological health.

As a school counselor, I see the results of social isolation and learning loss strolling through the school doors every early morning. Provided the last 18 months, I d think of every school is facing this truth right now.

The issue is most likely too big to be managed with the existing personnel. The American School Counseling Association advises a student-to-counselor ratio of 250 to 1, but the actual ratio in some U.S. public schools is 600 or more to 1. The nationwide average is presently 464 to 1.

Kelly Curtis, Instructor, EmpowerU & & Elementary School CounselorKelly Curtis is a primary school counselor, EmpowerU instructor and recipient of the 2021 Wisconsin Equity in Action Award. She can be reached at kellycurtiswriter@gmail.com.

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The American School Counseling Association advises a student-to-counselor ratio of 250 to 1, but the real ratio in some U.S. public schools is 600 or more to 1.

Kids always amaze me with their resilience, and last year was no various. However whether last year remained in person or remote, it was hard. As a school counselor, I see the effects of social seclusion and learning loss strolling through the school doors every morning. I hear it in the voices of kids and on call with worried parents. And I feel it through the stories, concerns, and periodic tears that land in my workplace. When trainees are battling with inspiration, focus, state of mind, or feeling overwhelmed, finding out takes a back seat. Provided the last 18 months, I d imagine every school is facing this truth right now.

Speak with anyone who operates in a school, and youll hear that the obstacle of supporting our struggling students has actually never ever been larger, larger, or more vital than it is right now. And believing about all the trainees who need our help to be successful and re-engage is definitely overwhelming.