Online Counseling Programs features COE alumna in Top Counseling Blogs
Cindy Morton, Ed.D.
Each year, Online Counseling Programs compiles a list of the Top Counseling Blogs to help prospective and current counseling professionals keep abreast with counseling trends, advocacy efforts and career development.
Cindy Morton (‘89,’92,’98), Georgia Southern University College of Education Triple Eagle alumna, made the 2017 list with her blog “For High School Counselors.”
“My blog really began as a hobby or side project about my experiences as a high school counselor,” explained Morton. “Though there were many school counseling blogs, a blog highlighting the high school experience was missing. Surprisingly, my blog seemed to resonate with other counselors and was noticed by OnlineCounselingPrograms.com.”
“For High School Counselors” provides relevant, up-to-date information from Morton’s personal experiences as well as compiled free online resources for high school counselors.
A virtual counselor with Rockdale County Schools in Conyers, Georgia, Morton’s career began in a classroom teaching history. Earning a bachelor’s in history and master’s in social studies education from Georgia Southern, she taught at her hometown high school in Screven County for nine years. During her teaching career, she often found that students came to her with their problems and one even suggested that she should consider becoming a counselor–a notion she had not previously considered.
After taking a school counseling course from Georgia Southern, Morton says she was “hooked.” She earned a specialist degree in counselor education, and is now entering her 19th year of her counseling career.
“I can’t say enough about the amazing professors in the College of Education, and how they inspired me to present at conferences, write and publish articles and join professional organizations,” said Morton. “Without their encouragement and support, I don’t think I could have had such a fulfilling career over the last 28 years.”
For those looking to pursue a career in counseling, Morton’s blog can provide insight and advice.
“Although not a job for the faint of heart, it can be the greatest job in the world,” she said. “Effective school counselors can make a huge difference in the lives of students and in their school. I cannot tell you how rewarding this job has been to me over the years.”
Morton also added that she recommends students pursuing a school counseling career seek an experienced and knowledgeable veteran in the field during their practicum and/or internship as their knowledge is “crucial to success.”
In an interview with Online Counseling Programs, Morton explained that throughout her almost two decades in the counseling profession, she has learned so much but one lesson sticks out the most.
“The biggest lesson I have learned is that we must advocate for our profession,” she said. “Some of us are better at advocacy than others, but my hope [in my blog] is to inspire other high school counselors to educate their stakeholders about their roles and responsibilities, celebrate their accomplishments, work closely with their administrators and collaborate with other counseling colleagues.”
Morton said she was humbled for the recognition from Online Counseling Programs.
“I am truly thankful for their willingness to take the musings about my everyday experiences and share with their audience,” she said.
Online Counseling Programs is a comprehensive career guide to the counseling profession. Visit OnlineCounselingPrograms.com for more information.
For more information about the counselor education programs at Georgia Southern University’s College of Education, visit https://coe.georgiasouthern.edu/coun/programs/
Posted in Alumni Highlights