About Me
Growing up in Queens, NY, I valued the flourishing diversity of my city. My family lived in a multigenerational and multicultural home that provided a solid and rich foundation, unwavering in the face of adversity. Though my family experienced displacement, incarceration, substance abuse, and poverty, our support system was robust, and I was able to overcome barriers and achieve my goals. It instilled perseverance and empathy that I hope to share with my students and their families, who will face their own obstacles both in school and life.
I have had the privilege to teach in Philadelphia, PA, New Orleans, LA, Washington, DC, and New York, NY, over the past ten years. This background helps inform me how better to support educators in my role as a counselor.
I believe in strengthening our communities with creativity, collaboration, and compassion.
Personal Philosophy
I am committed to cultivating an environment where every student and their families feel empowered to navigate the complexities of life and education. As a devoted school counselor, my goal is to equip individuals with the tools and skills necessary to advocate for their unique needs, fostering academic success and personal flourishing within their community. I believe equitable schools can dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that all students feel valued, supported, and highly capable.
I firmly believe in the profound impact of education as a transformative force for individuals and communities alike. With a focus on advocacy and self-empowerment, I strive to foster a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere that nurtures both personal and academic growth. Through collaborative efforts with students, families, and the broader community, I strive to identify and address each student's specific challenges, creating meaningful systems of support that promote resilience and success.
Career Readiness & Community Initiatives
20 female employees from PECO spoke with 5-8th graders about the urgent need for women and diversity in STEM careers before leading hands-on circuit-building workshops in the classroom.
Let’s Go Outdoors brought 8th graders to John Heinz Wildlife Refuge to explore ecology careers. Students also planted native trees and went birding in the wetlands finding joy and connection in nature.
Philly Spring Cleaning brought students, staff, families, and community members together to “Beautify Barry’s Block.” Cleaning, planting, and caring about our community.
Grants, Projects and Presentions
Gardening is a holistic path to healing that can connect us with our roots. I wrote and was awarded a Deeply Rooted grant through Penn to convert a vacant lot into a community garden.
PA Bullying Prevention Guide
Resource for elementary and middle school students to understand the impact of bullying and how they can empower themselves and their peers.
Community Engagement
Organized and led a community clean-up and green-up event in partnership with Philly Spring Clean Up. Our environments have mental and physical repercussions on communities and deserve our care and attention.
Transitions Presentation for Seniors
Students must be prepared for the practical and emotional elements of life after high school, and my role as a counselor is to help prepare them for what lies ahead.
Social Emotional Workshop Handout
Social Emotional Parent Workshop hands-on journaling activity connecting to students 7Mindsets curriculum
Local and National resources to support the needs of linguistically diverse communities.
Research, Observations and Case Studies
Comprehensive School Counseling Plan to meet the unique needs of an elementary school in Kensington, Philadelphia.
Core curriculum action plan implementing social-emotional learning in K-12 classrooms.
Review of effectiveness of attendance incentives in a year-to-year comparison determining next steps
Research paper on the ways poverty and inaccessibility to food impact student development. Mutual Aid programs led by Black Panthers catalyzed government action with free lunch and breakfast programs in school. Philly Eat Right and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program foster positive relationships with nutrition.
Observational report on a 3rd-grade student with behavioral concerns reported by their teachers. Counselors must observe and analyze student behaviors to learn how to support them and the larger class community best.
Case studies
Case studies demonstrate some of the scenarios I have encountered with students and the solutions we found working together. This involves 1:1 and group counseling, MTSS support, resources within the school, and partnerships with outside agencies for supplemental services.
Relevant Experience
See Resume for 10 years
of teaching experience
2023-24
John barry elementary
Counseling Intern
Counseling Internship John Barry Elementary School Philadelphia PA 2023
- Provided 1:1 and small group counseling services to students in grades K through 8, employing solution-focused and person-centered approaches to address academic performance, social skills, self-esteem, and attendance issues.
-Educated eighth-grade students on career awareness, high school options, and scholarship opportunities.
-Implemented the 7Mindsets SEL curriculum for grades K through 8, emphasizing topics such as self-esteem, accountability, and gratitude.
-Spearheaded academic and career partnerships, securing grants and scholarships from organizations including Stroud Water Research Center, PECO, and PA Sea Grant.
-Led community enrichment efforts, establishing a community garden and organizing community cleanup events in collaboration with Philly Spring Cleaning
-Developed and led extracurricular activities promoting cultural preservation and community engagement.
-Provided individual and group interventions, contributing to strategic planning with counseling team.
-Sunshine committee leadership fostering community and boosting staff morale.
2023
Kensington Health Science Academy: a community school
Counseling Practicum
-Provided academic planning support to students, assisting them in identifying future goals related to high school, college, and dual enrollment programs.
-Guided students through the school's admissions process, including applications, admissions essays, scholarships, and financial aid.
-Offered career planning assistance, helping students secure job placements and internships and develop financial planning and time management skills.
-Conducted one-on-one and small group counseling sessions for students dealing with social conflict, academic stress, and mental health issues.
-Led morning advisory focused on fostering a sense of belonging and support at school.
Education & Certification
M.Ed in School Counseling
Certified School Counselor
Eastern University, St Davids, PA
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Early Childhood Education
Northeastern University, Natchitoches, LA
Bachelors of FINE Arts
Toy Design
New York, New York
Connect with me
Rachael LaPolla
RachaelLaPolla@Philasd.org
718.309.2018