TEACHER GIVES COUNSELING CLASSES

As an elementary counselor, Karen Gleeson doesn't wait for students to come to her office.

She goes to them.

At Meadow Heights Elementary School, Gleeson spends 30 minutes a week in each classroom.

The counseling classes allow students to express their attitudes and personal feelings, Gleeson said.

"I am able to address such issues as self-esteem, friendships, importance of family, problem-solving, goal-setting, time management, understanding grief and career awareness," she said.

Gleeson has been elementary counselor for two years. Before that, she taught special education for seven years.

She has a master's degree in guidance and counseling for grades kindergarten through 12.

It was while working as a special educator that she decided to become a counselor.

"It became obvious to me that students need to feel good about themselves in order to be successful in life," Gleeson said.

"I believe that a counselor can provide opportunities for students to express themselves and their needs in a non-threatening environment."

Last year, Gleeson planned a "Career Day" in which individuals from 16 professions spent half a day talking to the students.

"This was an exciting way to introduce young children to the world of work," Gleeson said. "We plan to make this an annual event at Meadow Heights."

Gleeson and her husband, Tom, have a son, Paul, 2.

She enjoys walking, aerobics, reading, gardening and spending time with her family.

She is elementary vice president of the Southeast Missouri School Counselors' Association and also chairman of the Southeast Area 1 School Counselors called "Counselors Caring for Each Other."