Leadership and Advocacy

Theories and skills of leadership

This artifact demonstrates my philosophy of leadership and the type of leader that I want to become as a counselor educator. The interview explains the necessary skills to become an influential leader in the field.

Leadership and leadership development in professional organizations

These artifacts demonstrate my ability to reflect on my leadership style and ability within counselor education programs. They highlight how I am learning how to integrate leadership development with professional organizations.

Leadership in counselor education programs

These artifacts reflect on my understanding of leadership responsibilities in CES programs.

Knowledge of accreditation standards and processes

These artifacts demonstrate my awareness of accreditation standards and the impact they have on CES programs. They emphasize my ability to understand the CACREP accreditation standards.

Leadership, management, and administration in counseling organizations and other institutions

These assignments highlight my knowledge of leadership and administrative duties in the field of counselor education.

Leadership roles and strategies for responding to crises and disasters

These discussions demonstrate my ability to address challenges and crises in counselor educator programs while maintaining ethical solutions.

Strategies of leadership in consultation

These demonstrate my understanding of consultation as a best practice leadership strategy. The interview explains the importance of consultation while being a leader in the field.

Current topical and political issues in counseling and how those issues affect the daily work of counselors and the counseling profession

Multicultural Reflective Journals
Benchmark Textbook Critical Analysis and Synthesis Paper Assignment (qualitative)
Dialogue Paper 1 (qualitative)
Dialogue Paper 2 (qualitative)
Qualitative Research Proposal Paper (qualitative)
Discussion: Professional Identity (leadership & advocacy)

These demonstrate my understanding that political and social issues can shape the counseling profession.

Role of counselors and counselor educators advocating on behalf of the profession and professional identity

These demonstrate my desire and ability to advocate for the profession. I am committed to continuing to advocate for my clients, future students, and the profession as a whole.

Models and competencies for advocating for clients at the individual, system, and policy levels

These artifacts demonstrate that advocacy can be both direct client support and systemic advocacy. Effective advocacy requires both awareness and humility.

Ethical and culturally relevant leadership and advocacy practices

These artifacts demonstrate my philosophy of leadership and advocacy that is culturally relevant. It also explains my plans and desires to be a leader and advocate in our field and the community.

Reflections

Reflect on the process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?

A strength that I have developed is learning to recognize when I need to lead and when to let others lead in this area. I will advocate for my students, clients, and the profession as a whole. I can start by teaching my students that part of their professional identity as a counselor is being an advocate for their clients. I want my students to be able to find their voice in the classroom so they can teach their clients how to find their voice.

Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation?

I have developed an ability to build trust and rapport with students. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions and taking professional risks by challenging themselves and stepping out of their comfort zones. I also want them to come to me when they feel like they made mistakes, so we can explore how they can improve. I strive to foster growth in my students. I want students to learning how to become an effective counselor and develop their counselor identity.

Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?

An area of growth for me has been learning how to advocate within institutions, even when they are slow to change. It can be discouraging when you are unsure how or when to advocate in this setting. To develop, I want to build relationships with those who are working in the institution who are already advocates for change. In addition, I want to remain engaged in other counseling organizations beyond institutional settings to develop my skills as an advocate.

Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency.

My faith is grounded in humility and compassion. Christ spent time with the marginalized, was willing to challenge when systems went against his beliefs and led through service. I now understand that my role as a leader is not for my own power or personal agenda, but to be a steward of the needs of others. Advocacy is truly a calling that requires clarity and persistence. My beliefs encourage me to want to build up the next generation of ethical leaders who also have servant hearts.