Julia Brown
School Counselor
Mansfield ISD
“Pursue your goals with passion, integrity, and perseverance.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Graduated from Univeristy
Taught 7th Grade English Language Arts
Taught first grade and kindergarten for 5 years; married and had first child
Worked part-time directing a preschool program; completed my Master's Degree; had second and third children
School counselor and special education liaison for five years
Director of special program for emotionally disturbed children for 2 years; diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory bowel disease, and optical tumor; divorced; moved
School counselor in current position for six years while raising my children, managing my health, and completing courses for principal and licensed professional counselor licensure
School Counselor of the Year State Finalist and Elementary Counselor of the Year for my school district; continuing to pursue advancement in my career as well as advocacy at the state level
Education
High School
Richland High School
Richland High School
Certification/License
Licensed Professional Counselor Certification
Lamar University
Licensed Professional Counselor Certification
Lamar University
Career
School Counselor
I provide proactive, preventative, and responsive services to almost 500 students and their families.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Writing
Problem Solving
Day to Day
I come to work at 7:15 and have an office full of students by 7:30. These kids choose to start their school day in a safe, calm, nurturing environment. I spend the rest of the morning providing Guidance classes to kindergarten through 4th graders. I write the curriculum, plan the activities, and provide the resources needed for each lesson. I work with children individually and in small groups from 12:30 until 3:00. Then, I return phone calls, emails, and supervise dismissal until 4:15 pm.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
The first step to becoming a counselor is to teach for at least three years. I recommend teaching as many different age-levels as possible to gain practical experience across the life-span (children / adolescents). Volunteer and serve on many committees and teams to broaden your networking capacity and demonstrate your work ethic. Pursue training and continuing your education early in your career. Pursue your goals with passion, integrity, and perseverance.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Certification/License
Licensed Professional Counselor Certification
Licensed Professional Counselor Certification
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"I've been told that working with elementary-aged children, and students with special needs, is not a valuable use of my abilities; I've also been told that the additional education I have pursued is too costly compared to salary potential. "
Challenges I Overcame
Single Parent/Illness
