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2023 MS ACTE
Counselor of the Year PAULETTE EDWARDS
By Heather Craig Paulette Edwards, counselor at Pascagoula-Gautier Career Technical Center (PGCTC), was recognized as 2023 Mississippi Association of Career Technical Educators (MS ACTE) Counselor of the Year at the MS ACTE conference this summer. Edwards’ remarkable commitment to empowering students to make decisions that positively affect their futures has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Pascagoula. Reflecting on her journey as a school counselor, Edwards said, “I want students to engage with their futures.” She recognized early in her career that many high school students lacked essential knowledge about their educational paths, often relying solely on the school to guide them. With unwavering determination, Edwards set out to change this by ensuring that every student had the knowledge and the agency to make informed decisions about their high school classes and future endeavors. One of her innovative programs, “15 minutes of FAME (Facts About My Education),” had counselors visiting classrooms for a brief yet impactful period each month. During these sessions, they presented lessons aimed at equipping students with fundamental knowledge about their educational 10 CONNECTIONS Fall 2023
paths and encouraging them to take ownership of their futures. When transitioning to her role as a career technical education (CTE) counselor, Edwards observed that CTE students were more focused on their career interests and more likely to ask educated questions about their futures. To cater to this dynamic, she introduced “Small Talk” sessions, fostering group discussions where students could freely ask questions and discuss topics related to their academic and career journeys. Edwards’ educational philosophy revolves around the belief that all students can learn, so the focus should be on individualized learning experiences. She champions the career academy model for high school, emphasizing that it fosters student engagement and ownership of their education. Her goal is not only to graduate students, but also to prepare them thoroughly for the next phase of their lives, whether it be college, a career or military service. One of Edwards’ proudest achievements during her tenure as a CTE counselor was revolutionizing the process of student scheduling for CTE programs. Recognizing that the old system lacked personalization and input from program instructors, she initiated a new approach. Edwards started organizing focused tours for ninth graders, tailoring these tours to match students’ interests in specific academies.
PGCTC offers four academies, each catering to different fields, and Edwards wanted students to have a hands-on understanding of their potential paths. These focused tours allowed students to spend time in classrooms, engaging in activities designed to help them grasp the essence of each program. The activities were led by second-year students and instructors. After completing the tour, students filled out an application form, which Edwards then used to create a spreadsheet for instructors. The vetting process included reviewing grades, attendance and behavior, enabling instructors to make informed decisions about which students to interview for their programs. This innovative process of personalized
