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 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 program selection has empowered both students and instructors, fostering a sense of ownership in their educational journey. Approximately 80% of instructors actively participate in this process, with all of them expressing overwhelming positivity about its impact.

PGCTI Director Derek Read said, “When I became CTE Director in 2020, the choice of person to replace me was a nobrainer. Mrs. Edwards had been my mentor since I first became CTE Counselor, and is someone whose opinion I value when having to make a tough decision.”

Since her transition to the role of a CTE counselor, Edwards has felt like a valuable member of Mississippi’s CTE family. Her dedication has been instrumental in focusing students on their CTE interests and giving their lives direction and purpose.

When asked what motivates her in the face of challenges, Edwards simply stated, “Students.” She understands the profound responsibility that counselors carry, often as unsung heroes holding the school community together. Her inspiration to become a counselor came from her interactions with students during her years as a classroom teacher and her work with youth at her church. Seeing gaps in their education and career focus motivated her to become a counselor and bridge those gaps for students.

Edwards’ advice to her students is simple but profound: “Stay focused on your goals, and when you reach your goals, set more, keep going—you can do it!”

“She has what’s best for students in mind in everything she does,” Read said. “[She is] an active member and current president of MCA, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the CCTI and Pascagoula Gautier School District,” he added.