Counselor education alumna recognized as state's top school counselor

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Michigan School Counselor Association announced Jamie Hess, school counselor at the Calhoun Area Career Centers, as the 2024 Michigan School Counselor of the Year. Hess has served as a school counselor for 12 years. Prior to her current position she was a classroom teacher at Zeeland Public Schools and an education consultant for the Michigan Department of Education.

"I was really surprised," says Hess. "I work in a unique setting at a career center, rather than a traditional high school. We deliver a comprehensive guidance program for our students through collaboration with our teachers and stakeholders."

Hess is a two-time Western Michigan University graduate with master's degrees in counseling education in 2010 and career and technical education in 1999. As a school counselor at the career centers, she supports students serviced by the Calhoun Intermediate School District in preparing them for their post-secondary journey. Through the integration of technical and career training, the center provides opportunities for students to engage in contextual learning, gain employability skills and work with community partners for real-world experience.

"Jamie consistently shows a strong desire to ensure all students receive the supports they need and deserve through her leadership and willingness to step into crucial conversations around systems change," says Terri Tchorzynski, president of the Michigan School Counselor Association. "She is a prime example of the impact school counselors can have when given the support needed to thrive in our roles. MSCA is proud to honor and have Jamie represent school counseling in the State of Michigan."  

ABOUT THE MICHIGAN SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATION

Through advocacy for proper utilization and staffing of counselors in schools, provision of resources for professional development, and creation of opportunities for networking and collaboration, the Michigan School Counselor Association serves school counselors unto the advancement of student welfare across the State of Michigan.

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