Mayra Garcia
Palacios
Summary
Focused School Counselor with 21 years of success guiding students on academic and career decisions. Skilled at counseling students on methods for forging relationships and helping students navigate school life. Driven to support long-term goal achievement by linking students to outside resources to enhance education and career prospects.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Counselor
Palacios Independent School District
08.2005 - Current
- Supported students through challenging developmental milestones and crisis situations and coordinated outside service referrals for those needing extra assistance.
- Built schedules around students' strengths and long-term goals, customizing different approaches for college preparatory and technical school pathways.
- Helped students complete admissions applications and pursue scholarships to fund education at state, private and vocational schools.
- Coordinated record transfers between school and outside organizations such as colleges and trade schools.
- Maintained positive relationships and open communication with parents about application paperwork, testing requirements and upcoming deadlines.
- Delivered high-quality services to students needing academic and emotional support.
- Guided students through evaluating career interests and potential schools.
- Offered extra assistance to students of impoverished backgrounds by providing clothes for job interviews and support for basic needs.
- Personalized career advice to incorporate student grades, goals and skill level.
- Cemented relationships with colleges across state, region and entire country to better serve schools' students.
- Educated individuals with special interests about unique grants and scholarships for higher education.
- Recommended school-wide policy changes to better serve needs of EB students.
- Collaborated with parents, school faculty and social workers to address problems and grow student success.
- Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
- Analyzed student academic records to assess educational and career goals.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to help students reach potential.
- Monitored student progress to drive successful academic outcomes.
- Planned and promoted career planning presentations, work experience programs and career workshops.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.
- Developed and implemented student guidance plans to foster academic success.
- Used standardized assessments to evaluate abilities, interests and characteristics of different students.
- Educated students on college admissions process and scholarship requirements.
- Assisted students in exploring and selecting career paths.
- Taught classes and presented self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
- Encouraged students to explore age-appropriate and career-related opportunities.
- Advocated for students to access available resources.
- Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
- Oversaw career and job fairs to connect students with area schools and employers.
- Empowered students through counseling and skill-building exercises.
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Provided resources to support students in achieving career goals.
Third Grade Teacher
Palacios Independent School District
07.2002 - 08.2005
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Utilized study guides and interactive study tools to increase standardized test scores.
- Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems and overarching themes.
- Scheduled and directed field trips and hands-on activities to foster student learning and creativity.
- Developed and implemented discipline strategies to maintain classroom order.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
Education
Master Of Education - Counseling
University of Houston - Victoria
Victoria, TX12.2007
Bachelor Of Science And/with Education Degree - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Houston - Victoria
Victoria, TX12.2001
Skills
- Career Planning Presentations
- Parent Communication
- Conflict Management Education
- College Planning
- Course Counseling
- 504 Plans
- Confidential Services
- Student Records Maintenance
- Mental Health Referrals
- Individual and Family Support
- Scholarships and Grants Exploration
- Advise Students
- Post-Secondary Career Exploration
- Abuse Identification
- Student Testing
- Crisis Intervention
- Educational Opportunities
- Counsel Individuals
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
High School Counselor
Palacios Independent School District
08.2005 - Current
Third Grade Teacher
Palacios Independent School District
07.2002 - 08.2005
Master Of Education - Counseling
University of Houston - Victoria
Bachelor Of Science And/with Education Degree - Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Houston - Victoria
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