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As students spend the most important part of their growing up years in their schools with their teachers, therefore, teachers play a significant role in developing and shaping the personality of these young students. True it is that while school counselors are trained to address a range of issues which includes broken relationships, strained relationships with parents, self-esteem and body-image issues, addiction and even suicidal thoughts or possible career paths, a teacher meeting the students regularly can also play a vital part in this and initiate conversations and encourage students to open up. Hence, the role of a counselor is imperative in an academic set up and teachers can become the primary source of on-campus support for the students.

However, not every teacher has what it takes to become a good counseling expert. Along with student counselling techniques acquired through training, there must also be some innate qualities to play the role of a school counselor.

Who can don the role?

Understandably, it is not easy for students to share their day-to-day problems with a teacher. Hence, the onus is on the teacher to be open-minded and willing to help. It is essential to build trust with the students if as a teacher, you want to be their confidante.

5 THINGS TEACHERS MUST REMEMBER IN ORDER TO BECOME GOOD COUNSELORS:

Build a solid rapport: This is the foundation. Period. Teachers cum counselors must make the students feel comfortable in their presence until they are ready to open up. Once a student gets a vibe that a teacher is trustworthy, he/she will open up. The teachers must hence try using a combination of both verbal and non-verbal communication at this stage with their students.

Let students express themselves: Allow your students to vent out when talking about their challenges and issues. You must not interrupt or voice your opinion while the student speaks; rather listen to everything they say and wait until they are finished. Then you can summarize the student's thoughts to ensure that you have understood the problem correctly. This will also help you to give a better feedback or the right kind of opinion.

Don’t be judgmental: Empathy is the key. A teacher should refrain from being judgmental and show compassion towards the students. If a student becomes emotional regarding the running divorce case between her/his mom and dad, you must not use phrases like OH! THAT DOES NOT SOUND GOOD. This discourages the students' ability to pick themselves up and they might hesitate to spill the beans.

Emotionally consistent: As a teacher, you should be consistent in your thoughts and emotions. It is imperative to have control of your emotions so that you do not let them get the better of you. An ideal teacher cum counselor must always remain calm and composed even if her/his mood is not right, and not let it hamper their professional life.

Be confidential: Students must always feel that you as a teacher are completely trustworthy. This is the responsibility of teachers to build that trust and make students believe that this conversation will always be a confidential one and enable them to open up their thoughts and feelings.

Conclusion

All children, especially in these trying times when situations are becoming tougher, must be equipped with not only academic skills but also emotional and social capabilities so that there is an all-round development of their personality. A teacher with student counsellor training can help students as counselor and show the correct path towards the innate powers of student.