Jennifer M. G. Spears, M.A.

, NCC
15509 Barrington Place
Dumfries, VA 22025
631.559.6679
jennifermgspears@gmail.com
jenniferspearsschoolcounselor.weebly.com

Qualifications

JS

60-credit, CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling (School Counseling emphasis)

6+ years experience teaching and counseling in urban, K-12 public schools
11+ years professional experience in public and higher education
Bilingual in Spanish, effective in crossing linguistic, cultural and ability barriers
Committed to facilitating educational opportunities for at-risk and special needs students
Excellent multitasking and prioritizing abilities
Natural teacher and educational equity advocate

Relevant Professional School Counselor

Experience Springfield, VA - August 2014 - present

Fairfax County Public Schools (Title I School)

Counsel students through personal, academic, social and behavioral concerns in
individual or small group formats
Consult with teachers, parents and administrators to develop and implement appropriate
behavioral and classroom intervention strategies
Design and present standards-based monthly classroom guidance lessons for 450
students in 17 classes
Initiated and manage WatchDOGS (Dads of Great Students) male volunteer program
adding 300+ scheduled male volunteer hours in 2015-2016 school year
Identify and lead academic support plan development for 504 Accommodation Plans
Actively expanded community mentorship program from 0 to 6 (year 1) to 28 mentors
(year 2); recruit, train, match and support mentors
Successfully initiated Career Day event of 120 career presentation sessions in June 2015,
currently planning for March 2016
Coordinate community/family partnership programs such as holiday gift donation and
distribution, after school programs, weekend food distribution
Designed and implemented schoolwide Veterans Day assembly hosting over 50
community veterans, November 2015

Professional School Counselor

Alexandria, VA - August 2013 - June 1014
Alexandria City Public Schools
Monitored academic progress of diverse group of 250 students including large at-risk,
special needs, and ELL student populations
Counseled students through personal, academic, social, and behavioral concerns in
individual or small-group formats
Designed and presented standards-based monthly classroom guidance lessons for 600
students
Directed school PBIS committee, established incentive systems and coordinated schoolwide reward parties
Identified and recruit first-generation students into AVID College preparatory program
Coordinated local college and university visits for 45+ students
Consulted regularly with teachers, parents, and administrators to develop and implement
appropriate behavioral and classroom intervention strategies

Led child study committee for the identification of special educational needs of students,
recommend and advocate for appropriate accommodations

School Counselor Intern

Aliquippa, PA - August 2012 - June 2013
Aliquippa Elementary School (5 mo.), Aliquippa Jr./Sr. High School (5 mo.)
Designed and presented standards-based lessons with emphasis on academic success and
character education
Counseled students with personal, academic, social, and behavioral concerns
Facilitated age-appropriate psychoeducational lunch groups on healthy self-concept,
communication and social skills
Consulted regularly with teachers, parents, and administrators to develop and implement
appropriate behavioral and classroom intervention strategies

Therapeutic Staff Support

Beaver, PA - October 2012 - June 2013
Western PA Psych Care
Provided in-home mental health services for children with serious emotional, behavioral
and developmental needs
Taught behavior modification techniques and emotional coping mechanisms
Ensured transference of skills to families as appropriate

Spanish Teacher/Freshman Advisor

Goodyear, AZ - July 2006 - July 2007
Agua Fria Union High School District
Taught Spanish at 9th 12th grade levels at Title I high school
Mentored and advised a class of 25 freshmen twice weekly
Selected by principal to advise students at District Leadership/Diversity Camp

Spanish Teacher
Crockett, CA August 2005 July 2006
John Swett Unified School District
Taught Spanish at 7th 12th grade levels at Title I middle and high schools
Aligned new Spanish curriculum to the California State Standards
Piloted 7th and 8th grade Honors Spanish curricula

Education Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA

Master of Arts in Counseling - August 2013

American University, Washington, DC

28 graduate credits, International Training and Education Programs - 2011

Penn State University, University Park, PA

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Linguistics - May 2001

Presentations
Affiliations

Counseling English Language Learners, Pennsylvania Counseling Association. State College, PA,
October 2012.
American School Counseling Association
American Counseling Association
Pennsylvania School Counseling Association
Virginia School Counseling Association