Starting a new school? Here's how to fit in
A counsellor starting at a new school needs to be able to understand its culture, speak its language and work out how they fit into the bigger picture
Rin Kim
For a counsellor starting at a new school, the ability to understand the school culture and assess their fit with it is key. Your priority should be to understand the bigger narrative the school has in place for students and the wider community – overall atmosphere, teacher morale and student outcomes.
Even before you arrive at school, you can start learning about the history and vision of your school by browsing the school website, as well as by reading the school handbook and newsletters.
As you start talking to your principal, colleagues and students, you will learn to align your counselling practices and expectations with the school culture. This is also a great time to examine your fit with the school – you might find elements that you disagree with or do not fully understand.
Try to avoid accepting existing standards and norms unconditionally. You will soon be able to find your footing as you embark on your first years at the institution.
What language does your school speak?
Every school has a unique story, vision and mission that shape its culture. School culture encompasses everything that defines a school’s identity: shared values, beliefs, practices and traditions.
There is a knowledge base that you will need to acquire very quickly when you take on a new counselling position. For example, I currently work in an IB World School. Having come from a non-IB teaching background, I had to take considerable time to learn how to speak the IB language. To enhance my effectiveness as a counsellor, it was vital for me to understand the IB’s approach to education and my school’s pedagogical practices.
I took on the role of an observational scientist, paying close attention to how the coordinators of different programmes communicated, collaborated and solved problems. I asked questions to solicit feedback, advice and clarification on any issues or challenges I encountered.
By learning how to speak the school’s language, I not only found my fit in the school’s culture, but could also contribute positively to its growth and development.
What are your school’s core values?
School culture is not just about what you do, but also about how you feel. This could change from day to day, and speaks volumes about why the everyday practices and policies of a school are in place.
What I really like about my current school is its value-driven culture. We have four core values: courage, compassion, ingenuity and integrity. These are a united front on which the whole school (PreK-12) has been operating for the past decade.
As we learnt to fit in with and promote these values as counsellors, we created a more harmonious and productive work environment, which directly benefited our students.
Do not be surprised if you see contradictions between the school’s core values and its everyday practices. The most important thing to know is whether you are endeavouring to align your counselling policies and practices with its core values and are consistently trying to reach its goals.
When culture and strategy work together
As we take our role as stewards of an effective school culture, counsellors become better positioned to tap into the rich reservoirs of social capital found inside and outside the school. We think more strategically about who we could add to our team to help get things done for the students – whether parents, alumni, senior leadership team or faculty. We use shared cultural values to productively manage conflicts and disagreements and to find meaningful solutions.
An ongoing process
Adapting to school culture is an ongoing process of reflection and growth. The culture of the school you are serving might have been formed over many years, and it can take time to adjust and acclimatise to it.
Along the way, you will make some mistakes. You may even realise that the culture is not aligned with your personal values and that you and the school might not be a good fit.
But you will also learn new things, face new situations and develop new skills and friendships. Be patient with yourself and learn to ask questions of the right people. Reflect on your actions, identify your strengths and celebrate your successes.
By reflecting and growing, you will become a more effective, resilient and adaptable counsellor – and will hopefully find that your first year at a new school has been a successful one.