The Value of Teamwork
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hen most of us become counselors, we think about ways to connect with students, fellow counselors and teachers, administrators, and parents. We strive to be viewed as approachable and sincere. What we don’t think too much about is the process that brings us together — teamwork. In my recent role as president-elect of MASCA I have observed teamwork in action. On the Governing Board, each member has special responsibilities, and as they work to benefit all counselors in Massachusetts, each member brings to the table his or her uniqueness. I have had the pleasure of participating in and witnessing discussions based on facts, concerns, and suggestions. At the end of each meeting, however, we leave respectful of one other and on board with the final decisions governing our organization. How different is that from the way you function as a counselor in your school district? The success of teamwork was brought
KAREN D’AMOUR MASCA President-elect home to me the other day. While browsing in a department store, I heard someone say, “Ms. D’Amour.” I turned to see an attractive, together-looking young woman, who went on to say, “Remember me?” How could I ever forget her? She was one of my former students. She went on to tell me that although boyfriends weren’t working out so well, she did get her associate’s degree and she now works for a company that will help pay for her bachelor’s degree. She said that she and her parents get along great
CURRY COLLEGE
1071 Blue Hill Ave. • Milton, MA 02186 www.curry.edu curryadm@curry.edu Since its founding in 1879, Curry College has been a forward-looking institution that emphasizes individualized education and personal development. Curry is a private, four-year, co-educational college offering programs in the liberal arts and professional fields leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
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• Curry serves over 2,000 full-time, traditional undergraduate students from 40 states and 32 countries • Curry’s wooded, 137-acre New England campus is locatedjust minutes from downtown Boston • Approximately 1400 Curry students reside on campus • Curry offers 20 majors and 50-plus minors and concentrations • Curry’s student/faculty ratio is 12:1. The average class size is 20 students • Approximately 70% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid • Students can choose from a wide array of extra-curricular activities including 13 NCAA Division III athletic teams
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for the most part and that she has a few really good friends. She has accepted the need to take medication regularly and sees a therapist from time to time. As I listened to her, it did my heart good to see the fine person she had become. After we parted, I reflected on what her four years of high school were like. Freshman year, she did not want to come to school. Her team that year consisted of the nurse, parents, an assistant principal, teachers, and me. We came together often to share ideas and come up with a plan. Some of it was successful and some not so much. Sophomore year, she skipped classes, got A’s in two classes, raised the bar on risk-taking behavior, and seemed depressed and inattentive. Her team then consisted of the same people as well as the principal and an outside agency. New members to the team brought fresh insights as the team struggled to help her get a handle on things and get the support she needed. Over the next two years she made many gains and had a few setbacks, but by graduation things were looking optimistic. The team varied somewhat during that time, but its main focus was on support and encouragement. When I think back, some incredible teamwork occurred during those four years. The people involved had one goal: to help her to help herself. The trust each member of the team had in one another, even when a plan didn’t work out, showed a commitment befitting each person’s role. It was hard work but — not unlike the Governing Board — good teamwork can be priceless. It can help an organization, and it can help a child. When that young woman stood before me, I saw a happy, contributing member of society, who had learned coping mechanisms and who was enjoying her life. She may have arrived at that point through another method, but she didn’t. It was the result of her being part of a team. It was the result of teamwork. What do you think it takes to be an effective team member as part of the school environment? I would like to hear from you: damourk@mersd.org. ■ COUNSELOR’S NOTEBOOK
