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Brauer Finalist for Nebraska School Counselor of the Year

In West Elementary School, there is a name that is known by teachers, staff and students. She is known for her heart, for her commitment to staff and students, and to the educational community.

Carla Brauer is among the finalists for school counselor of the year. The award is presented by the Nebraska School Counselor Association. There are three awards presented: Elementary School, Middle School and High School counselor.

"People can nominate you for that award," she said.

Brauer was nominated by West Elementary School Principal Gene Russell.

"As far as West Elementary goes, Carla is our 'go-to' person for everything," Russell said. "Even though her role is school counselor, she always goes above and beyond by being helpful for everyone."

The process includes the nominee, Brauer, filling out an application and submitting three letters of reference: a parent, a colleague and her principal Gene Russell.

"Every principal's dream is to have a school counselor like Carla and that is why she was nominated for School Counselor of the Year. She cares so deeply about the kids and their families as well as the staff," Russell said.

"I have been a school counselor for 13 years. Before that, I was a classroom teacher for 23 years, all in Sidney," Brauer said.

He describes her as one with many years of experience but who is still a life-long learner.

"She is often found downloading the latest apps to keep up with what the kids are doing on social media as well as attending new trainings on how to help assist students in our current society," he added.

It is the training that resulted in her becoming a school counselor, Brauer says. She said she always wanted to be a teacher. Initially, her interest was teaching music. Then Elementary education caught her attention. Her career changed, was offered an adjustment, when she was talking about summer class options. Some of her interests lead to her being asked about the open counseling position. The rest is history.

"The fact that I was a teacher in the same building I'm a counselor helped. It gave me credibility," she says.

She is involved in helping students, and in helping teachers be more effective in the classroom.

"It's not just about the kids. It is the school community," she said.

Russell commended Brauer for the level of commitment she applies at West Elementary.

"We are so lucky and honored to have Carla work for Sidney Public Schools and for us, even more so at West Elementary," he said.

Many of the issues Brauer addresses as an elementary school counselor can be summed up in a few highlights: self-worth and communication. One of the issues she sees is kids who have self-harm concerns.

"A lot of times, I'm the first person they'll talk to," she said.

She said for kids in the elementary school ages, many issues are related to friends, responsibility skills, helping them navigate through this stage of life and helping them tell parents things that are hard for kids to share.

"One of the fun things about the job is you have no idea about the day," she said. "It's a great job for people who like to think on their feet."

The Nebraska School Counselor Association began the School Counselor of the Year award in 2008. The first year, one award was presented. In 2010, the program was expanded to include Elementary, Middle and High school counselors. In 2013, the American School Counselor Association began requesting each state to forward only one winner for consideration to the ASCA School Counselor of the Year award. Nebraska chooses its candidate for the national award from the three Nebraska School Counselor of the Year recipients.

 

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