Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Chrystal R. Tolbert

Houston,TX

Summary

Talented educator professional offering 24 years' expertise in advising students and their families on relevant topics to help achieve attainable postsecondary options. Leader with a focus on developing and upholding the school counseling program goals and objectives. Success-driven when determining solutions for areas in the counseling program that need improvement.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Academic Counselor/School Scheduling Manager

The Pro-Vision Academy
Houston, TX
08.2023 - Current
  • Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
  • Compiled and studied educational and economic information to assist individuals in determining vocational and educational objectives.
  • Advised students on course selection, pathways and career options.
  • Built and deepened relationships with kids and families to enhance program goals and student success.
  • Assisted students in completing appropriate forms for financial aid and financing processes.
  • Monitored student attendance and grades in database to verify retention and progression.
  • Conducted student recruitment through open houses and college fairs.
  • Reviewed student grade reports to determine disciplinary action based on academic regulations.
  • Reviewed and interpreted placement and other standardized test scores.
  • Prepared students for later educational experiences by encouraging to explore learning opportunities and persevere with challenging tasks.
  • Completed and maintain academic schedules for both 175 middle school students and 222 high school students.
  • Completed timely changes and updates to schedules in central Student Information System (SIS), ASCENDER.
  • Eliminated process discrepancies, implementing continuous improvements for scheduling procedures (updating schedule changes, teacher schedule changes, etc.)

School Counselor

Scarborough High School
Houston, TX
09.2022 - 07.2023
  • Developed, implemented, and evaluated a comprehensive counseling program based on American School Counselor Association (ASCA) framework to address the needs of ALL students.
  • Monitored students academic progress, mental health and sociability through ongoing individual assessments.
  • Met with parents and guardians to discuss student's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
  • Followed-up with outside mental health service providers to coordinate in-school support.
  • Placed students into academically appropriate classes after reviewing data and records.
  • Assess students and proposed behavior management plans to alleviate academic and social problems.
  • Provided in-service training on guidance topics and curriculum for teachers, administrators, and campus stakeholders.
  • Counseled students regarding variety of social, educational and interpersonal issues.
  • Offer counseling services to 366 students.

Lead Counselor

Willowridge High School
Houston, TX
01.2022 - 07.2022
  • Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
  • Worked collectively with education professionals to deliver in-school counseling support for identified students.
  • Led the counseling department ensuring both school and district key performance metrics were met all while using data to close the gaps in students' achievement.
  • Counseled students in academic, personal/social, career planning, and college placement.
  • Followed district and nationwide standards in creating and administering school counseling programs.
  • Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students educational goals.
  • Encouraged students to carefully consider career options and related academic decisions based on personal strengths and goals.
  • Intervened in crisis situations between students and students and/or teachers.
  • Consulted regularly with parents, administrators and specialists to coordinate individualized support for struggling students.
  • Counseled students directly on course selections, schedules, study habits, and postsecondary options.

Department Chairperson/Professional School Counselor

Hyde Park Academy High School
Chicago, IL
08.2007 - 01.2022
  • Managed student permanent records, transcribed student transcripts, and processed Year-End-Processing (YEP) records.
  • Managed and provided academic, social, personal, career, and college placement counseling services for a caseload of 408 students in grades 9th through 12th.
  • Gathered, analyzed, and monitored statistical data using student information systems.
  • Coordinated monthly and quarterly meetings monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) for each grade level.
  • Implemented innovative programs designed to address the needs of at-risk student populations.
  • Implemented, coordinated, and managed various distance learning online platforms which increased graduation rates each year by 20%.
  • Led Parent Advisory Councils for 9th, 10th, and 12th grade Academic Learning Community (ALC).
  • Coordinated and managed summer transition programs (Freshman Connection, Senior Final Transitions, Alumni Tracking).
  • FAFSA proficient with methodical skills for assessing target populations and increased knowledge base through intensive educational workshops.
  • Coordinated, managed, and supervised statewide and national standardized testing.

Professional School Counselor

Dunbar Vocational Career Academy High School
Chicago, IL
08.2005 - 06.2007
  • Counseled a case load of 367 students ranging from grade levels 9th and 10th grade.
  • Administered advance placement, vocational and college prep tests.
  • Facilitated financial aid workshops (Online Financial Aid Center) and informational seminars.
  • Coordinated the RAMP application and ASCA implementation plans for the counseling department.
  • Leverage the use of innovative technologies to enhance student learning techniques and opportunities, both individually and collectively.
  • Managed logistics for student enrollment/registration, 8th grade Open House, Grade Level Parent Nights, FAFSA Workshops, college fairs, and college campus tours.
  • Created and supported opportunities for community partnership locally and regionally.
  • Supervised the maintenance of data and records related to student attendance, academics, and other relevant information; Lead professional development workshops for teachers and support staff in becoming proficient in the use of web-based student information management system (IMPACT, GRADEBOOK, and DASH BOARD).

TRIO Senior Counselor

Ada S. McKinley Educational Services
Chicago, IL
01.1999 - 08.2005
  • Delegated responsibilities to staff members.
  • Responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with 26 Chicago Public Schools.
  • Engaged in public speaking seminars and informational workshops.
  • Assessed, analyzed, and evaluated student records to make proper recommendations to various 2 and 4 year colleges.

Education

Ed.D - Higher Education Administration

Argosy University
Phoenix, AZ
10.2013

Master of Arts - Counseling

Governors State University
Park Forest, IL
08.2005

Skills

  • Academic, Social, Career, and College placement counseling
  • Decision Making
  • ASCA National Model Principles
  • Proficient in Google Suite
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Active Listener
  • Scholarships and grants exploration
  • Leadership
  • Logistics
  • Policies/Procedures
  • Compliance
  • Seminars
  • Supervising
  • Presentations/Workshops
  • Curriculum Writing
  • School Scheduling Manager

Affiliations

American School Counselor Association

Illinois School Counselor Association

Timeline

Academic Counselor/School Scheduling Manager

The Pro-Vision Academy
08.2023 - Current

School Counselor

Scarborough High School
09.2022 - 07.2023

Lead Counselor

Willowridge High School
01.2022 - 07.2022

Department Chairperson/Professional School Counselor

Hyde Park Academy High School
08.2007 - 01.2022

Professional School Counselor

Dunbar Vocational Career Academy High School
08.2005 - 06.2007

TRIO Senior Counselor

Ada S. McKinley Educational Services
01.1999 - 08.2005

Ed.D - Higher Education Administration

Argosy University

Master of Arts - Counseling

Governors State University
Chrystal R. Tolbert