Graduate students within Niagara University’s educational leadership and school counseling programs recently participated in a workshop held by a researcher from The Ohio State University. Dr. Shelby Gonzales is an assistant professor in counselor education at The Ohio State University, and her research aims to understand the gap that exists between school counselors and administrative leaders in schools. The two-part workshop, held on Feb. 2 and Feb. 11, brought together students from the two separate grad programs to further understand each other’s roles.
The research workshop began with the faculty of each department working to understand each other’s work, and presenting that work to their respective students. The first part of the workshop involved presentations within each departments. Dr. Derron Hilts presented to his school counseling students about the role of principals and educational leadership. Dr. John McKenna and Dr. Jim Newton, from educational leadership were in attendance for this session. Dr. McKenna and Dr. Newton subsequently offered their own presentation on the role of school counselors to their class, with Dr. Hilts in attendance.
The second part of the workshop put the students into breakout sessions to work together. These sessions required the students of separate departments to determine solutions to case studies. The goal was to key in on areas where the separate disciplines can address the challenges of the cases together.
Lena Fazzolari, a participating school counseling student, said, “I was pleasantly surprised with my counterparts and my ability to be on the same page during this experience. While we have differing experiences and expectations based on our future roles, we were able to effectively collaborate because of our shared goals and understanding of the needs of a school environment. Ultimately, it was our willingness to be open to suggestions and abilities to work as collaborators that made the experience as successful as it was.”
The two parts of the workshop allow the research to address the degree programs themselves, as well as, the interpersonal communication between the students who will be occupying these professional roles. Dr. Hilts said, “Rather than operating in silos, students were able to hear from, and talk and work with their instructor and peer counterparts. I hope that this experience strengthened students’ and instructors’ role clarity of each other’s profession.” He emphasized that the earlier these students can simulate working together in their separate roles, the more they can help the schools and students they will serve.
Dr. Gonzales earned her Ph.D. in School Counseling and Supervision from the University of South Carolina. Her primary research focus is in understanding and collaboration between school counselors and other roles within the K-12 school system. The research Niagara University students took part in was titled, “Facilitating Role Understanding and Collaboration Between Pre-Service School Counselors and Principals.”
Niagara University offers graduate programs for school counseling and educational leadership. To apply for a Niagara University graduate program, please click here.
