Brianne Wetsel

I have been an Elementary School Counselor for the past two years, working on a provisional license as I finish my master’s degree at Fort Hays State University. My caseload contains over 500 students. During my time as a school counselor, I have:

• Created a safe space for students within the school community where they felt comfortable discussing their concerns or seeking guidance from counselors or staff members.
• Promoted a positive school environment by fostering strong relationships among staff, parents, and students.
• Implemented a comprehensive guidance curriculum that addressed all students' academic, career, and social-emotional development.
• Reduced absenteeism rates through proactive communication with families and targeted counseling for at-risk students.
• Participated in IEP meetings to advocate for the needs of special education students, ensuring access to appropriate resources and support services.
• Facilitated conflict resolution among peers, improving classroom dynamics and reducing behavioral issues.
• Collaborated with teachers to identify students needing additional support, providing tailored counseling services.
• Conducted small group sessions on stress management, self-esteem building, emotional regulation, friendship, and social skills, among others.
• Collaborated with behavioral aides, teachers, psychiatrists, and school nurses to assess student needs and strengths.
• Managed crises effectively, providing timely intervention and referrals to outside agencies when necessary.
• Maintained confidential behavioral data, special education reports and services reports.
• Coordinated college and career fairs for students, exposing them to a range of post-secondary opportunities.
• Fostered positive school environment, leading initiatives to promote inclusivity and respect.

I began working at Oak Hills in 2019 in the third grade. In the following years, I taught in the second and fourth grades. In my time as a classroom teacher, I:

• Tracked student progress using formative and summative assessments, informing future instruction and support strategies.
• Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
• Incorporated diverse instructional strategies, accommodating different learning styles and needs within the classroom.
• Encouraged cooperative group work among students, developing collaborative skills necessary for future success in school and beyond.
• Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, fostering a supportive learning community.
• Increased student motivation by creating engaging activities and hands-on projects connected to real-world experiences.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on trends in education and bringing innovative ideas back to the classroom.
• Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
• Provided a warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
• Wrote and directed grade-level programs for Veterans Day and the end-of-school showcase.

I was hired mid-year at Centerville Elementary in the first grade. In the years following, I taught fourth and fifth grades. Among my teaching duties, I:

• Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices in teaching 5th-grade students.
• Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, modifying instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
• Developed strong rapport with students, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Incorporated differentiated instruction techniques, including individualized playlists, to meet the diverse needs of all learners within the classroom.
• Cultivated critical thinking skills among students by challenging them with complex problem-solving tasks and thought-provoking discussions.
• Increased class participation by creating an inclusive environment that valued all students' opinions and ideas.
• Served as a liaison between school administration and parents, promptly addressing concerns or questions regarding student performance or curriculum content.
• Organized extracurricular activities to enhance the overall school experience for students, such as clubs or field trips related to course topics.
• Welcomed and incorporated flexible seating.

From 2011 to 2015, I opened my preschool, serving over 150 students. During this time, I:

• Created an inviting atmosphere within the preschool facility through thoughtful design choices catering to young students' needs.
• Managed budget allocations efficiently while prioritizing resources essential for providing top-notch education to students.
• Organized engaging extracurricular activities such as field trips, special events, and guest speakers that enriched students' educational experience.
• Increased enrollment rates through targeted marketing strategies and community outreach initiatives.
• Oversaw maintenance of clean, organized classrooms conducive to learning by implementing efficient cleaning schedules and inventory management systems.
• Fostered strong parent-teacher relationships through consistent communication, parent meetings, and progress reports.
• Established a safe, nurturing environment for children by implementing strict safety protocols and maintaining regular staff training.
• Maintained a high standard of customer service by addressing parents' concerns and ensuring their satisfaction with the preschool experience.
• Consistently maintained state licensing requirements by staying up-to-date on regulations and adhering to all guidelines.
• Continually assessed and updated policies, procedures, and educational approaches based on best practices in early childhood education.
• Spearheaded a successful summer camp program that attracted new families while providing valuable enrichment experiences for current students.