District Counselor Earns Statewide Honor; TSCA Names Dyann Wilson Middle School Counselor of the Year

Disponible en:

Dyann Wilson

The Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA) recently named Dyann Wilson from Teague Middle School the Middle School Counselor of the Year. There are more than 2,000 members in the TSCA.

Twiana Collier, director of guidance and counseling, describes Wilson as dedicated and passionate about her profession and students.

“Dyann works tirelessly to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of a very diverse population of students,” said Collier. “She truly makes a difference in students’ and staff members’ lives. She often takes the lead in working with her counseling team and school administration to plan enriching experiences, lessons, and groups for students at her school. Dyann is affectionately known in our district as the ‘tech’ counselor because of her high ability to integrate technology.”

Wilson has served as a counselor at Teague MS for six years. A respected staff member at the campus and district level, Wilson has been recognized by the school board and the Teaching and Learning Department for her work and programs.

According to Collier, Wilson is a strong advocate for school counseling programs at her school and the district level. Wilson knows the important role that counselors play in the lives of students and often seeks to find ways to improve opportunities and outcomes for all students. She has served on various campus and districtwide committees to ensure that all stakeholders know the importance of a comprehensive school counseling program.

The Rhosine Fleming Award was established in memory of Rhosine DuBose Fleming, a counselor for Richardson ISD, when she died in 1971. The award is a living memorial for Rhosine’s dedication, professional involvement, and growth. Each year, this award is given to an outstanding school counselor at each level. Rhosine was instrumental in creating the charter for the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA) in 1966 and served as TSCA Secretary.

Wilson was selected by the Award Committee, which reviewed nominations, a rationale statement, and a résumé detailing significant contributions to the field of school counseling. Professional school counseling experience and leadership participation in supervision, professional development, program implementation, and program advocacy are also considered.

“It is a privilege to be honored with the award,” said Wilson. “In yet another challenging year for everyone in education, it has been a blessing to be recognized for the work. I could not accept this award without including my team, though. We are known as the Unicorns in the district because of what we do in our school counseling program. I would not be the school counselor I am today without their support and guidance.”

Dyann’s Why

The Teague MS counselor is passionate about her work and enjoys that every day offers something different. Wilson described the importance of relationships and connections with students and staff. It’s about showing empathy and holding space for parents and students, which can do much for them socially and emotionally. Wilson feels she has the most significant impact on students’ lives in those moments. Once relationships are established, it is easier to plant seeds in students and watch them grow independently. Academic, personal, and responsive services are a part of the work. However, the essence of her role is to be someone for others to lean on and truly listen to them. You can learn so much from just being present in someone’s life.

She related the story of a student at Teague MS that has been in her life for three years. Wilson has had a front-row seat to all the seasons in her student’s life, impacting her own life. The experience has shown her ways to be a better person and a school counselor. Rather than guide the student, Wilson stood beside her through some challenges. The student has become a fierce advocate for her own life and future. Her student and parents always let her know what Wilson has done for her, but in the end, that student did more for Wilson than she will ever know. That is her why and her reason for what she does every day.

Better Together

Wilson places great value in teamwork, using everyone’s strengths, and supporting each other as everyone works together toward a common goal for students, community members, teachers, and administrators. She feels this is why they have accomplished so much even under these unprecedented times. She also loves the creative side of school counseling and building new ways to engage and reach students, staff, and families through technology. For example, Wilson recently created calming rooms in a digital content curation platform.

“We all need a purpose in our role in education,” said Wilson. “When everyone works together, we accomplish so much for our students. It motivates us and keeps us going. And it starts with relationships. I speak to several students who have since graduated high school — some even have their own families. It makes me proud to know I had a part in how they are thriving today. But I am one part of many in helping and guiding students. This is why we are better together.”

Wilson will be honored at the TSCA Convention on February 13, 2022, at the Awards Dinner at Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, Texas. To learn more, visit the Texas School Counselor Association website.