I have experienced first hand the difference between a counselor that has recentlty graduated from college and one that graduated 20 years ago. Two years ago the counselor that had been at my high school for over 16 year was removed from the counselor position and replaced with someone that had just graduated from college. There was some turmoil in the district about this move, but it was definitely the right move. Our new counselor has brought a lot more to the table. She has focused more on counselor aspect of the job. She also has done a great job scheduling classes for students. The old practice was 2 or 3 weeks into the new school year students would finally have there classes set for the year. Now students have their classes set for the next year before they leave for the summer. I teach in a small district so scheduling classes for students falls on her shoulders. I wonder if counselor have a course on scheduling?

The interview process was fun. I can see where having a group of people in the actual interview can lead to great discussions. I belive that our group did a great job discussing the interview. We were able to give Emily ways to improve for her next interview. Besides focusing on Emily we talked about what we might do different the next time we interviewed someone. It was great practice.