In celebration of National School Counseling Week, ACPS is shining a spotlight on Susan Russo, the school counselor at Jefferson-Houston School.
Russo has been with ACPS for more than 10 years. She spent her first five years at George Washington Middle School before joining Jefferson-Houston, where she is in her sixth year.
I knew I wanted to be a school counselor since I was in third grade. Our lovely school counselor would ask our class crazy questions like, ‘If you could be a car, what kind would you like to be?’ I wasn’t quite sure what she was driving at (ha-ha) but thought her job seemed pretty awesome. I loved the idea of just getting to know kids for who they are, seeing what makes them tick and helping them solve their own problems. I come from a long line of educators on both sides of the family, so being in education is always what I’ve aspired to,” said Russo.
Prior to becoming a counselor, Russo taught math and social studies. After obtaining her masters in school counseling from University of Wisconsin-Madison, she served as a school counselor in Stoughton, Wis. for six years. When she relocated to the DC area, Russo worked as a program manager for teacher and community programs at the American Association of University Women. She also did a stint in the corporate world before returning to school counseling.
I missed school counseling tremendously, saw the posting for a counselor in ACPS, and here I am 10 years later! The best part of my job is seeing students empowered. I love seeing a student do something they didn’t think that they could. One student I used to see every week came to us disengaged and doing poorly in most of his classes. By the end of the year, he was on the honor roll and advocated for himself to be in all honors classes for the following year. Students amaze me every day, and I think it’s important to let them know it” said Russo.
Russo stressed how the skills taught by counselors are as essential as math and reading. Through school counselors, students learn strategies that help them access their learning, push themselves to learn more, and dream about the type of future and world in which they want to live. The more schools provide a developmentally-appropriate comprehensive school counseling program through classes, small groups, individual counseling, academic advising, and by building a culture of safety and empowerment, the more successful our students will be academically, socially and in life.
School counselors open doors for students and families, provide access and encouragement and let students know that anything is possible every day and in multiple ways.
Susan is an incredibly dedicated school counselor who gives her best each and every day at Jefferson-Houston. She is truly committed to delivering a comprehensive school counseling program that prepares our students to be global citizens,” said ACPS Director of School Counseling Marcia Jackson.
When Russo is not at school, she enjoys reading, hanging out with her family, going for hikes, playing games and watching sappy movies. She lives in Arlington with her husband, 6th-grade daughter, Nora; 4th-grade son, Frankie; and their sweet 11-year old yellow lab, Maya.
Remember to thank your school counselor this week!