Congresswoman Sanchez Celebrates School Counselors

The week of Feb. 6 to 10, 2012 has been declared "National School Counseling Week" to honor of diligent and hardworking school counselors as a result of Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) introducing House Resolution 525.

“Everyday counselors do exceptional work to help our students reach their highest potential. It is because of their unending dedication that children across our country succeed in becoming engineers, doctors, and even Members of Congress,” Congresswoman Sánchez said in a statement.  “This resolution seeks to honor the outstanding work that counselors do to ensure that our children’s future is full of promise.” 

The average counselor-to-student ratio in America’s schools is 459 to one—almost double the 250 to one ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Those numbers are worse in California where the student to counselor ratio is a dismal 945 to one. Counselors play a pivotal role in the academic, social and personal development of children. 

“School counselors play an integral role in ensuring that all of our students are both college- and career-ready, and that together we are able to reach the full potential of each and every student,” said Sue Im, school counselor at .  “I am grateful for the leadership of Rep. Linda Sánchez and Congress for their continued efforts to recognize the role of the school counselor and their contributions to student success.”

Richard Wong, Executive Director of the American School Counselor Association, praised the congresswoman for her efforts to recognize the importance of school counselors in creating positive school climates that cultivating teaching and learning. 

“Congresswoman Sánchez is a true ally in promoting success for every student, and we appreciate her support in recognizing the work of school counselors during National School Counseling Week," Wong said.