Jeff Poelstra
School Counselor
Grandville,MI
Summary
Dynamic and innovative High School Counselor with 18 years of experience in school counseling, adept at data-driven decision making, student advocacy and case management. Proven track record in increasing FAFSA completion and college admission rates and enhancing student support programs. Strong advocate for diverse, at-risk, and gifted students. Skilled in collaboration and resourcefulness to meet students' diverse needs.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
High School Counselor
Greenville Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Supervisor for College Adviser through MSU's College Advising Corps (MSUCAC)
- Coordinated Decision Day celebration and recognitions
- Trained and experienced in Care Solace (medical and therapeutic referral service)
- Earned over 20 graduate credits in counseling related topics
- Coordinated closely with Montcalm CC to facilitate over 60 students in dual enrollment courses
- Member of Child Study Team, Student Support Team
High School Counselor
Kelloggsville Public Schools
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Helped digitize credit audit processes for ‘real time’ views of graduation progress
- Led the department in communications to students, parents, staff & stakeholders
- Coordinator for Fin Aid, Scholarships & SST (Student Services Team)
- Strengthened skills in DEI, identifying barriers and using data driven strategies
- Increased FAFSA and scholarship completion
- Administered school-wide mental health surveys and coordinated follow up
- Programmed for special populations: Undocumented., ELL, 504 Plans, Spec Ed, Title 1, McKinney Vinto
Middle School Counselor
Wayland Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Solely managed and coordinated caseload of 630 students and 40 Section 504 Plans
- Worked as member of Student Assistant Team (Tier 2&3) & Crisis Team
- Directed student leadership group using Jostens Renaissance
- Coordinator for state testing and most mental health services
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
High School Counselor
Kenowa Hill Public Schools
08.2008 - 08.2021
- Teamed with all stakeholders in scheduling, college/career planning & credit audits
- Involved with Kent County Prevention Coalition, Jostens Renaissance, District MH Team
- Directed, planned and MC’d Student Recognition Program for 7 years
- Demonstrated initiative in analyzing processes and programs for efficiency and success
- Coordinator for 504 Plans & Personal Curriculums
- Trained student mentors in anti-bullying club; largest school club of 40+ members
- Administered state and college testing
- Managed, directed and taught online learning (MVHS, Edgenuity)
- Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach August 2016 - June 2019
- Created Knights FC (school affiliated soccer club), served on Board of Directors
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Kenowa Hills Middle School
08.2010 - 08.2012
Special Education Teacher: Emotionally Impaired
Kentwood Public Schools
08.1998 - 08.2008
- Created, directed and taught alternative education program off-campus
- Boys and Girls Freshman Soccer Coach 1999-2021
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselor Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 05.2002 - 05.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education: Emotionally Impaired
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 08.1994 - 05.1998
Skills
Platforms: Powerschool, Infinite Campus, MIPSE, Parchment, Common App, MISSG, College Board
11 years of teaching experience
Trained in Capturing Kids' Hearts, Signs of Suicide / Blue Envelope
In training: Certified FAFSA Specialist
PSC committee/PBIS/MTSS
Jostens Renaissance
Xello/Career Cruising/Naviance
College Planning & Process
Data-driven decision making
Career & Technical Education
Member of MCAN and West Michigan Couns Assoc
Multicultural competence
Certification
School Counselor NT Endorsement
Timeline
High School Counselor
Greenville Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
High School Counselor
Kelloggsville Public Schools
08.2022 - 08.2023
Middle School Counselor
Wayland Public Schools
08.2021 - 08.2022
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Kenowa Hills Middle School
08.2010 - 08.2012
High School Counselor
Kenowa Hill Public Schools
08.2008 - 08.2021
Master of Arts - Counselor Education
Western Michigan University
05.2002 - 05.2007
Special Education Teacher: Emotionally Impaired
Kentwood Public Schools
08.1998 - 08.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education: Emotionally Impaired
Western Michigan University
08.1994 - 05.1998