1. Fearless Conversations: The Principal/Counselor Agreement
Dr. Shari Sevier
Director of Advocacy
Missouri School Counselor Association

2. Does Your Principal Really Know What You Do…or SHOULD Be Doing??
Header

3. The Principal-Counselor Agreement supports and develops the professional partnership between the principal and the school counselor.
Document
Talking Points

4. Set the Right Tone Request a meeting with your administrator.
Be specific about why you want to meet…don’t be vague.
Be positive.
Be professional.
Be prepared.
Be friendly.
Be a good listener.
Ask for your administrator’s feedback and/or help.

5. Section 1: Mission Statement
Discuss how the school counseling program impacts the school’s mission statement.
Does your program have a mission statement? If not, think about writing one based upon the school’s mission statement.

6. Section 2: Program Goals
Share program goals. Discuss how the goals support the district CSIP Plan.
Discuss program goals with the principal detailing the activities that promote the goals.

7. Section 3: Use of Time
Present the state recommended and actual time percentages and activities related to direct and indirect services.
Ensure that the administrator understands the program components.
Explain full implementation of the program.
Discuss “Barriers to Implementation” and brainstorm strategies with the administrator to minimize the impact.
Don’t whine.

8. Section 4: Professional Development
Discuss selected areas of growth and professional development plan.
Share professional affiliations and memberships which enhance professionalism and the program.

9. Section 5: Professional Collaboration
Discuss committees on which the counselor serves and faculty/staff shared responsibilities.
Discuss how these assignments/memberships support school, district and program goals.

10. Section 6: Budget and Resources
Discuss current school counseling budget and how the budget impacts student services.
Discuss any needed resources (i.e. personnel/materials).
Discuss the school counselor’s schedule and time availability.
Discuss facility accommodations for the school counseling program.

11. General Information
This plan can be modified to meet the school counselor’s needs.
Additional information can be added to the agreement at the end of the discussion.
This agreement should be reviewed annually or more frequently, if needed.

12. After the Conversation…
Always be positive.
Thank your administrator for taking the time to allow you to share the information.
Let them know you would be happy to talk about the program any time.
File the document where you won’t lose it.
If there is no signature, note that, date it, time it.
Stay in regular communication with your administrator about what’s going on in your program.

13. FEARLESS doesn’t mean being complaining, whining, bitchy.

14. It’s About Honesty, Openness, Collaboration and Trust!

15. BE FEARLESS!!!!