Remaining focused on the work of helping children, even in challenging circumstances, was a common refrain at the 21st annual School Counselors Conference on March 22. “Our students need us,” said School Counselors Chapter Leader Rosemarie Thompson. “We need to stay committed to building our skills and improving our working conditions.”

The school counselors who filled Shanker Hall at UFT headquarters enjoyed a full day of professional workshops, networking and camaraderie with colleagues.

School counselor Yasarahi Ginete-Cruz of PS 19 in Queens said the conference helped her draw strength from fellow counselors at other schools. “We go through different struggles,” she said, “and I’m reminded that we’re doing the good work.”

School counselors selected from a menu of seven morning workshops and seven in the afternoon. Topics ranged from teaching children skills to build resilience to the calming power of crafts.

School counselors discussed feeling overwhelmed by their caseloads and by onerous paperwork. Many of the workshops focused on practical tips to manage administrative burdens more efficiently.

Cindy Cosma of PS 152 in the Bronx took the workshop on establishing effective routines and said she is looking forward to implementing the strategies she learned. “Paperwork eats up so much time,” she said.

The 20-year veteran said she was considering leaving the profession but found the conference — her first since the pandemic — rejuvenating due to the fellowship and support of her fellow school counselors. “Now I feel connected,” Cosma said.

The event’s keynote speaker, school psychologist Rebecca Bransetter of the Thriving Kids Collective, delivered a presentation on time management, organizational strategies and using AI to speed up administrative tasks. “We need the time back for our kids,” she said, describing her early career of working nonstop on nights and weekends.

Today, school counselors — and all public school educators — face new and difficult challenges on the national political front. Referencing what he called “strange times” in Washington, UFT President Michael Mulgrew spoke about efforts by the current administration to reverse diversity, equity and inclusion in American life and to weaken or destroy public education.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion is the reality of what we do every day,” he said.

Thompson echoed Mulgrew’s sentiments but vowed that nothing would keep school counselors from working for students and families. “We will fight the world for our kids,” she said.