Congratulations Sarah Flier – National School Counselor of the Year Finalist!

Sarah Flier portrait

Congratulations to our own Sarah Flier who has been named one of five finalists for the 2021 National School Counselor of the Year award!

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) made the announcement this week. There are over 100,000 school counselors nation-wide. This is the first time in over ten years that a Wisconsin school counselor has been recognized for this distinguished honor.

The ASCA media release provides the following quotes about Sarah.

“Mrs. Flier shows all of her students that life should be a ride that you love, and you never want to get off of, so do all things that make you happy and let your light shine, “ said Adreanna Johnson, a former student. “I have known Mrs. Flier for almost 10 years, and I am proud to say that she has helped me grow into the person I am today.”

When an achievement gap was found on the state exam in English/Language Arts (ELA) for students who were economically disadvantaged, Flier collaborated with teachers, parents, and her School Counseling Advisory Committee to develop the school’s Literacy Toolbox program. The program collects donations to support a book club that provides a self-selected book each month to students in need. By choosing their own literature each month, students are able to build their own personal library and foster a lifelong love of reading. “Ms. Flier has an abundance of energy, natural ability, magnificent rapport with students and staff, and no end to creative ideas,” said Kimberly Osterhues.

In 2019, Willow River Elementary School set a goal for 65% of students meeting their ELA growth target on the MAP assessment. Flier disaggregated the data and found that third-grade students were the farthest from reaching this goal, with on 45% doing so. She focused school counseling classroom instruction on academic success while also facilitating a small group to further address study skills, growth mindset, test-taking strategies, and goal setting. In spring 2019, 76% of third-graders reached their target goal in ELA on the assessment.

“Each year, this School Counselor of the Year program shows us what the research tells us – that school counselors have a significant impact on students’ academic achievement, social/emotional development and plans for life after graduation,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “Through the dedication, contributions and excellence, these finalists have demonstrated their commitment to the values and mission of the school counseling profession.”

The School Counselor of the Year and finalists will be celebrated in a series of virtual events and will participate in briefings and webinars during National School Counseling Week, February 1 – 5, 2021.

Thank you Sarah for all you do each day for your students and the School District! We are Raider Proud!!