TEACHER'S CORNER: GLEESON MOVES FROM CLASSROOM TO GUIDANCE OFFICE

Although Karen Gleeson has moved out of the classroom and into the guidance office, she hasn't let go of her role as educator. In addition to her work in Washington Elementary School, Gleeson also team-teaches 4- and 5-year-olds in Sunday school classes at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

Gleeson said guidance counselors have a vital role in education because they help teach life skills to students. This can be done in large group settings, small groups or on a one-to-one basis, she said. Counselors also help students develop skills such as: Understanding self and others; decision-making skills; conflict resolution and study skills; grief support; and drug and alcohol awareness.

"I firmly believe that when children feel good about themselves they can begin to realize their potential," Gleeson said. "That's why the school counselor is in the school -- to help kids develop the skills they need to feel good about themselves."

Gleeson said she has written a story about a little bumblebee named Buzzy to help introduce students understand themselves and others. She incorporates a puppet into her story, which makes the lesson more fun.

"Buzzy was separated from his parents at birth and adopted by a hummingbird," she said. "Although Buzzy loves the hummingbird, he also feels a need to understand himself and why he has needs different than the hummingbird."

In addition to her activities at work and in church, Gleeson is also actively involved in the Southeast Missouri School Counselor Association, in which she has served as the elementary vice president and newspaper co-editor.

She is also a member of the Missouri School Counselor Association.