Ronald Girton
DOVER
Summary
Accomplished and student-centered School Counselor experienced in delivering comprehensive counseling services to elementary, high school, and adult learners. Skilled in fostering collaborative partnerships with students, families, and staff to promote academic achievement, career readiness, and social-emotional development. Recognized for strong communication, empathy, and relationship-building skills that drive student success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
High School Counselor
Smyrna High School, Smyrna School District
Smyrna, DE
10.2007 - Current
- Provide academic counseling to students, fostering personal and educational development.
- Collaborate with teachers and parents to address student behavioral issues and enhance academic performance.
- Utilize crisis intervention strategies, ensuring student safety and support during challenging situations.
- Evaluate student data to uncover trends that drive program enhancements and strategic planning efforts.
- Serve as a liaison between school administration, teachers, parents, and community resources in addressing multifaceted student needs effectively.
- Support emotional well-being of students through individual counseling sessions addressing personal challenges and concerns.
- Develop strong rapport with parents, maintaining open lines of communication to address student needs collaboratively.
- Build schedules around students' strengths and long-term goals, customizing different approaches for college preparatory and technical school pathways.
- Conduct regular progress monitoring meetings with students to assess goal attainment and provide ongoing guidance toward success milestones.
- Continuously update professional knowledge by attending relevant conferences, seminars, and trainings focused on best counseling practices.
- Utilize various software platforms including Infinite Campus, eSchool, LACES, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Data Service Center, and Zoom to support daily operations.
Adult Education Counselor
Polytech Adult Education
Woodside, DE
08.1999 - Current
- Develop individualized graduation plans for diverse adult learners and set goals for academic success.
- Administer assessments to track student progress.
- Provide emotional support and counseling for adult learners struggling with pressures of school,work and family.
- Monitor student progress to drive successful academic outcomes.
- Provide comprehensive career counseling to students, enhancing understanding of career pathways and job search strategies.
Education
Master of Science -
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE05-1998
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Commonwealth University (formerly Lock Haven University)
Lock Haven, PA05-1991
Skills
- Reliability
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Interpersonal skills
- Professionalism
- Public speaking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Professional demeanor
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
Certification
-Continuing License, School Guidance Counselor Grades 9-12 (valid 5-8 in a middle school)
-Continuing License, School Guidance Counselor Grades 1-6
-Continuing License, Teacher of Middle level grades 5-8 (except 7th-8th grade Science and Math)
Timeline
High School Counselor
Smyrna High School, Smyrna School District
10.2007 - Current
Adult Education Counselor
Polytech Adult Education
08.1999 - Current
Master of Science -
Wilmington University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Commonwealth University (formerly Lock Haven University)
Leadership
Lead Mentor for School Counselors
Delaware Counselor Advisory Board @ University of Delaware- Board Member
Delaware's Children in Crisis: Stakeholder Workgroup Participant
Delaware School Counselor Association (DSCA)Board Member
Delaware Delegate for American School Counselor Association(ASCA)- conference 2015
DSCA/ASCA Ethics Committee
Awards
Behavioral Health Professional of the year- Smyrna High School-2023 & 2026
ASCA Sapphire Award Recipient 2020-2021