Story by Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Jodi Williams, from Opequon Elementary School, was named the West Virginia School Counselor Association (WVSCA) 2024 School Counselor of the Year last week.
Williams, who was nominated for the award last November, felt honored that her co-workers thought so highly of her and was happy just to receive a nomination. She filled out the application and was surprised to hear she won on Feb. 7.
“It means a lot,” Williams said. “The work I do is something that I enjoy. Every day, I come into work like it’s Sesame Street. Being recognized by a co-worker means a lot, because I’m doing what I like.”
Williams didn’t always want to be a school counselor, however. Before moving to West Virginia in 2002, Williams worked as a paralegal in D.C. When she couldn’t find any work, Williams decided to change her career path and started working toward becoming a school counselor.
“We all had school counselors growing up, even if we didn’t remember what they did,” Williams said. “When I was a student, I talked with my counselors about something personal going on in my life, and they helped me a lot. I remember thinking, ‘Cool, that’s an important job.’”
Williams first started working with Berkeley County Schools as a substitute teacher before changing into a substitute counselor.
In 2008, she took on a full-time position at Martinsburg High School, where she helped students decide about their future. After three and a half years, Williams moved to Opequon Elementary and has been there ever since.
When Williams worked at the high school, she loved being able to see the students graduate and watch them succeed. Now, as an elementary school counselor, Williams enjoys seeing her students in the community and learning about how she impacted them and made them feel loved. She is passionate about her work and hopes to continue to impact students.
“Kids are people to be respected,” Williams said. “Adults don’t always realize or remember that. These kids are learning and growing, and we need to be there to prepare them for the future and answer their questions in ways that they can understand. We need to empower them and make them feel good about themselves.”
Williams’ impact on her students and co-workers and her dedication to providing high-quality school counseling programs show her love for her job. Williams will be recognized at the 2024 West Virginia School Counselor Association Conference and will be given a cash prize and plaque by the WVSCA to honor her and her accomplishments.