Megan Bledsoe was selected for top honors by the Washington School Counselors Association. She was recognized at the association’s annual conference in February and at the March 10 meeting of VPS’ board of directors.
A counselor at Discovery Middle School for more than a decade, Bledsoe uses data to monitor student progress and determine where additional support might be needed. Discovery Principal Mark Cain praised her focus on students. He pointed to the student-ambassador program that she oversees as one example. The program pairs student leaders with new students to introduce them to peers and help them find their classes.
“Megan recognizes the power in utilizing the student voice to ease the stressful transition to a new school for new students,” Cain said.
According to Vancouver Public Schools’ Dr. Brian Mathieson, school counseling specialist, “Megan is highly respected among the school counselors for her selfless leadership and commitment to running a comprehensive program that benefits all students.”
The School Counselor of the Year award honors professionals who devote their careers to advocating for the nation’s students and addressing their academic and social/emotional development and college- and career-readiness needs.
Bledsoe will represent Washington state in 2021 as she vies for National School Counselor of the Year.