Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

3/17/08

NEWS RELEASE
Hazelwood Elementary School Teacher Named Semifinalist in the
American School Counselor Association School Counselor of the Year Program

Andrea Krantz, Hazelwood Elementary School counselor, was named a semifinalist out of 320 applicants in the 2008 American School Counselor Association (ASCA) School Counselor of the Year Program. Mrs. Krantz was the only Washington State finalist.

Mrs. Krantz was required to apply for the award by providing a comprehensive application including responses to five essay questions, a sample of a classroom guidance lesson, a resume and letters of reference.

Mrs. Krantz has been the school counselor at Hazelwood Elementary School for six years. Initially she was a school psychologist but decided to return to school to pursue school counseling certification in 2002.

Since arriving at Hazelwood Elementary School, Mrs. Krantz has implemented a comprehensive counseling program that makes a difference for all students. As she says, “My primary purpose as a school counselor is to help remove barriers to student learning. I strive to make myself visible within my school building so students know who I am, what my role is, and so they are comfortable talking and interacting with me.” Every morning Mrs. Krantz greets the children as they arrive at school. She believes that if she connects with students before they begin their day, she may be able to address problems that occur before the school day begins.

Mrs. Krantz has implemented school-wide character education and anti-bullying curriculum. She also serves as Hazelwood’s coordinator of both the guidance team and 504 plans within the building, which provide modifications and accommodations that help students with special needs gain better access to academic rigor.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at 253-931-4713.