One in five high schools in the US have no school counselor at all, while most other high schools, with the exception of wealthier private schools, have 1 counselor per approximately 500 students, according to the New York Times article entitled, “Little College Guidance: 500 High School Students Per Counselor.” Not only does this present problems with supporting students when they are applying to college, it also prevents students from getting the social and emotional support they need during such an important time in their development as teenagers.

What is a cost effective solution?  Provide professional development to all staff members focusing on The 5 Strategies of The Virtues Project’s Gifts of Character Initiative to create a climate of empowerment where students, staff, families and the community thrive.  Bullies are transformed into leaders, teacher quality and job satisfaction is enhanced and student potential is maximized.  It is personal, professional and organizational development all wrapped into one with a multitude of inspiring resources and support for grades PreK- Higher Education.

The Virtues Project’s Gifts of Character Initiative is a simple, yet powerful way to stop the school to prison pipeline and to empower individuals know their inherent value.  Teachers spend substantial amounts of classroom time that could be used for instruction on discipline and classroom management. The Virtues Project’s Gifts of Character Initiative in Schools (GCS) is designed to train teachers to identify and reinforce positive student behaviors that emphasize positive character traits and contribute to an engaged and constructive classroom and school environment. An improved classroom climate leads to greater learning, reduced discipline problems, improved student achievement and lower teacher turnover.

CGS is also designed to strengthen individual positive character traits among young people to better prepare them for productive adulthoods in which they rely on their character strengths to support their families and communities. What is unique about GCS is that it also empowers all of the adults in the school community to identify and strengthen their own character qualities and communication skills. Unlike many other character education programs that require dedicated classroom time to deliver, GCS is designed to be seamlessly integrated through authentic interactions in and among students and staff, as well as into daily routines, rituals and lessons because it relies on the combined and systematic use of five strategies.  It can be used to enhance other initiatives, such as PBIS, Character Counts and Responsive Classroom.

The Virtues Project’s Gifts of Character Initiative in Schools is widely used around the world.  Testimonials have demonstrated how the five simple strategies of The Virtues Project bring out the best in both students and educators. Attendance increases because students feel safe, valued and connected.  Student achievement increases because students embrace 21st Century Skills, have higher self-esteem and are more confident in learning.  Discipline referrals decrease because students feel heard and do not need to act out for attention. Bullies are often transformed into leaders. The overall climate of the school is more peaceful and joyful, resulting in less stress for everyone and allowing staff and students to thrive.  The Virtues Project Gifts of Character Initiative not only saves money, it makes sense.

Let’s connect to discuss ways to bring this meaningful work to your school so that every one of your student has the support they deserve to thrive.

Until then, wishing you much joy, meaning and purpose always and in all ways,

Dara