Elvira Rivera
Algonquin,IL
Summary
Student-focused counselor, committed to supporting students in achieving personal and academic success. Excels through empathetic listening, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities, ensuring optimal support and guidance for students seeking educational, social emotional or career support. Gifted in counseling, student advocacy, and preventive education to meet the goals and objectives of the counseling program. Delicate in handling issues involving cultural and socioeconomic differences.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor
Dundee Crown High School
Carpentersville, IL
01.2024 - Current
- Conducted personal and group counseling aimed at enhancing student performance.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, and administrators to address academic and behavioral issues.
- Advised students on academic goals, career interests, and college prerequisites.
- Established trusting relationships with students and parents to nurture confidence in the school counseling process.
- Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Maintained accurate and complete student records required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.
- Conducted campus tours of local colleges for juniors and seniors.
- Referred to tests, records, and interviews to evaluate students' or individuals' abilities and interests.
- Developed relationships with colleges, universities, and employers to provide resources for students.
- Observed students during classroom activities to evaluate their performance, behavior, and social development.
- Supported students, individually and in groups, with developing academic, career, and social skills.
- Facilitated small group meetings to discuss social and emotional issues affecting the student body.
- Counseled parents, guardians, and educators to assist students with educational, career, and life planning.
- Identified and prevented potential dropouts by monitoring records of students experiencing attendance issues.
- Prepared students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and persevere with challenging tasks.
- Implemented activities designed to foster an inclusive environment among all members of the school community.
- Advised students on course selection and academic pathways.
- Directed and participated in enrollment activities.
- Met with students to address attendance, grades, and credits.
- Evaluated transcripts to make certain students were on track toward high school graduation and college admission.
- Assisted in developing and implementing student intervention plans.
- Counseled students on academic, career, and college planning options.
- Collaborated with teachers to identify at-risk students who require additional support.
- Advised students on course selection, graduation requirements, and post-secondary opportunities.
- Monitored student progress through the review of transcripts, test scores, and attendance records.
- Participated actively in parent-teacher and IEP conferences, advocating for students.
- Increased college application rate by assisting students with scholarship applications,
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
School Counseling Substitute
Edustaff
Carpentersville, IL
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Started working as a school counselor in a substitute position while finalizing my master's degree and state certification.
- Executed comprehensive school counseling responsibilities while pursuing and completing a master's degree.
- Collaborated with the school counseling department to learn and deliver equitable school counseling services to all students.
- Registered a significant number of ELL students during the term as a substitute school counselor.
Reading Interventionist
Algonquin Middle School
Algonquin, IL
08.2023 - 09.2023
- Facilitated specialized reading instruction for middle school students in a small group classroom.
- Implemented strategies for focused literacy practice.
- Implemented a behavior management system to enhance student engagement.
School Counseling Intern
Dundee Crown High School
Carpentersville, IL
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to help students cope with personal and psychological issues.
- Facilitated conflict resolution and peer mediation sessions to promote a positive school environment.
- Participated in professional learning communities to improve school counseling practices.
- Provided individual and group counseling to students with social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
- Provided support during standardized testing periods by administering tests and offering encouragement.
- Evaluated students' academic and career plans to assist in setting realistic goals.
- Engaged in reflective practice regularly to assess program effectiveness and make improvements where necessary.
- Worked collectively with education professionals to deliver in-school counseling support for identified students.
- Monitored students' academic performance and progress, identifying those at risk of failing or dropping out.
- Aided students in college and career readiness process, helping with course selection and career assessments.
- Conducted assessments of students' academic performance and created plans for improvement.
- Counseled students regarding a variety of social, educational, and interpersonal issues.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and other staff members to ensure that all students were receiving appropriate services.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions designed to improve student outcomes.
- Advised students on course selection, college application processes, and scholarship opportunities to support their academic and career goals.
- Attended meetings related to school safety initiatives such as bullying prevention programs.
- Provided crisis intervention to students dealing with difficult situations at school.
- Followed up with outside mental health service providers to coordinate in-school support.
- Supported the implementation of 504 Plans and IEPs as needed.
- Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Advised students on course selection and academic pathways.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
Paraeducator, Special Education
Algonquin Middle School
Algonquin, IL
08.2014 - 06.2022
- Supervised field trips for special education classes, ensuring safety at all times, while providing educational opportunities outside the regular classroom setting.
- Notified instructors of errors or problems with assignments.
- Consulted with teachers regarding student progress, IEP adjustments, and classroom needs.
- Participated in professional development workshops on special education topics, such as autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- Taught note-taking techniques and test strategies.
- Tutored students in course material to improve comprehension.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students with disabilities, helping them learn basic literacy and numeracy skills.
- Prepared handouts, study materials, and other teaching aids.
- Attended IEP meetings as a translator for Spanish-speaking parents/guardians.
- Encouraged participation from all students by using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided additional support during state testing periods, including administering tests, monitoring time limits, and assisting with accommodations when necessary.
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
- Collaborated with other professionals, such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive support services to special needs students.
- Tutored neurodiverse children individually or in small groups to foster mastery of course concepts.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Integrated technology into daily instruction through computer programs or online resources.
- Assisted faculty members or staff with student conferences.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to create differentiated assignments that addressed the varied abilities of all learners.
- Assisted in developing and implementing individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Supported classroom teachers in creating a positive learning environment for all students.
- Assisted in developing behavior management plans that addressed the specific needs of each student.
- Created a welcoming environment to ensure that all ELL students felt comfortable and accepted.
- Monitored computer usage and assisted students with hardware and software issues.
- Facilitated communication between families speaking different languages by providing translation services during parent-teacher conferences or other school events.
- Provided individualized instruction to assist ELL students with language acquisition, comprehension, and fluency.
- Supported the development of social skills among ELL students through positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise, modeling appropriate behavior, and redirecting inappropriate behaviors when needed.
- Encouraged parent engagement by providing resources and translating materials into home languages when necessary.
Education
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ10-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL05-1993
Skills
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Social and emotional health
- Crisis intervention
- Academic advising
- Career counseling
- Collaboration with educators
- Conflict mediation
- Solutions-focused
Certification
Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
Arizona Licensed Professional Educator
Languages
Spanish
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
School Counselor
Dundee Crown High School
01.2024 - Current
School Counseling Substitute
Edustaff
09.2023 - 01.2024
Reading Interventionist
Algonquin Middle School
08.2023 - 09.2023
School Counseling Intern
Dundee Crown High School
09.2022 - 06.2023
Paraeducator, Special Education
Algonquin Middle School
08.2014 - 06.2022
Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
Arizona Licensed Professional Educator
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Southeastern University
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