TEACHER'S CORNER: FORMER SCHRADER STUDENT NOW IS SCHOOL'S COUNSELOR

Elementary school counselor Julia Unnerstall is an educator today mainly because of the influence of former teachers who worked in the same school years before.

Unnerstall is a counselor at Alma Schrader, a school whose desks and halls seem to have grown smaller since she attended the school more than 20 years ago.

"It's ironic that another teacher at Alma Schrader and I were in the same class together as students," said Unnerstall. "Now we work together here, and recently at our school Play Day, we had our picture made together again, only 25 years later."

Unnerstall said her job is rewarding and interesting because it allows her the chance to work with children in preventive measures. She works with small groups and individual children, using a variety of teaching techniques, including puppets, video and audio tapes, hands-on activities, storybooks and role playing.

"Many of my lessons involve developing and strengthening individual skills in areas like study habits, self-esteem, peer pressure and career exploration," Unnerstall said. "Recently, a parent approached me and thanked me for working with her child on problem-solving strategies. It's moments like those that are memorable, when you know a child experienced personal success with your help."

It is very gratifying to have a child, parent or co-worker bring back a positive report, Unnerstall said. Energetic children and supportive co-workers help to make a counselor's job easier and more fun.

"It's wonderful to hear a report that someone benefited from a lesson I taught or a conversation we had," she said. "Additionally, I contribute part of the reason for my job gratification to the fact that I work with administrators and fellow faculty members who are extremely supportive and value teamwork."