Meet a CCSD 2025 Counselor of the Year Zone Winner - Dr. Teresa Neal!

This week, we celebrate the incredible dedication and professionalism of every CCSD counselor!  Our counselors play a vital role in supporting students' academic success, well-being and future readiness.  Their commitment to Elevating the Excellence in our schools ensures that every student has the guidance and support they need to thrive. 

In honor of National School Counseling Week, we spotlighted CCSD’s newly named 2025 Counselor of the Year Zone Winners all week.  You can read about our last featured outstanding zone winner, here!  #NSCW2025 #ElevateTheExcellence

How do you help students achieve excellence and reach their full potential?

My approach is rooted in a comprehensive counseling and guidance program, which includes individual counseling, small group counseling and classroom guidance. These efforts are focused on mindsets, learning strategies, and social/behavioral skills, aligning with the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) standards for student success. I try to be proactive in these efforts, but there are times that require reactive, and I pride myself on my ability to be responsive as well. I take my role as a “go to” person and advocate very seriously in those instances, for students and for staff.

What is something you have implemented that has enhanced the school culture?

I am very proud of two programs that I’ve implemented and believe have enhanced school culture. 1. Employee wellness: I strive to demonstrate my commitment to the well-being of teachers, which in turn enhances the overall school culture. Initiatives like a walking club and hydration stations not only improve teacher wellness but also foster a positive school environment, promoting health and community. We work hard to ensure that our teachers have access to a mindfulness room, where they alone have a space for quiet reflection and peace (in a middle school)! 2. Therapy dogs: I developed a program in collaboration with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to enrich the school's environment, promote emotional well-being, and create connections between students, staff, and the community. I’ve worked closely with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and with teachers to bring dogs in at least once a month for various initiatives, including building reading confidences, math confidence and social skill building.

What words of advice would you like to share with our parents?

Middle school can feel like it lasts forever, but it’s actually a short phase in life. Parents and kids both face emotional challenges during this time, but it’ll be over before you know it, and your child will be graduating. It’s important to remember that we’re all in this together, and teamwork is key to helping kids navigate both the social-emotional and academic struggles of middle school. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too, as it (middle school/puberty) can be overwhelming — give yourself grace along the way!