Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Dunn.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Alicia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey towards my current position as the Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling (School Counseling) and Mentorship for Clayton County Public Schools began in 1995. I was a Social Studies teacher in Savannah, Georgia and lost one of my U.S. History students. He was killed because of a disagreement on the basketball court. This was devastating for me because I saw him take his last breath. It is something that I will never forget. After his funeral, my journey officially begins. I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to attend graduate school at Clark Atlanta University and became a teacher at North Clayton High School in Clayton County Public Schools.
As a Social Studies teacher at North Clayton High School, I learned the importance of community within and outside of the school. North Clayton High School’s administrators, faculty, staff, students, and parents were a family. We were a community who understood the value of relationships for our students’ to be successful in life. My perspective changed and I realized that my journey would not be one that I would walk alone to make a difference in the life of youth. It would be one of a community because it takes a village, every stakeholder, in the life of youth to make a lasting impact. To this day, I remember my 12th-grade Economics class at North Clayton High School and my former students. It is my hope that I touched their lives in some way that made a difference. They touched my life and made me a better person, educator, and counselor.
After earning my Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Clark Atlanta University, I began my quest to become a School Counselor. In 1999, I landed my very first School Counseling position in Cobb County Public Schools as an Elementary School Counselor. I was so excited and embraced my new position 200%! Although I missed Clayton County Public Schools, I knew that this was the next phase of my journey.
My tenure in Cobb County Public Schools furthered my understanding of the importance of community. My school was located in South Cobb. It was a small school with an abundance of character and full of a strong commitment to students. This was extremely evident as we worked with families in need throughout the school year. I learned about the importance of School Social Workers and their role, alongside the School Counselor, in working with students and families. At my elementary school, we were partners working for students. The dynamic duo! It worked for our students, families, and school.
I left Cobb County when my mother became ill and returned to Savannah, Georgia as an itinerant School Counselor. This too would become another valuable part of my journey. I divided my work week between two schools, A.E. Beach High School and Sol C. Johnson High School. I again became a part of two very different but valuable School Counseling teams. They valued students and their ability to make a difference in their lives.
While in Savannah caring for my mother, I earned my Specialist in School Leadership! This was another step that was shared by my mother, a breast cancer survivor. We earned our Leadership Degrees at the very same time. This was a very special moment in my life followed by marriage and the birth of my best friend for life, my daughter Jessica. I returned to Atlanta, Georgia and to Clayton County Public Schools as a Jonesboro High School Counselor.
There has always been a special place in my heart for Clayton County and Clayton County Public Schools. It was here in Clayton County that I learned about the value of community, its impact on students, and the overall culture of a school. At Jonesboro High School, I again witnessed the impact of administrators, teachers, staff and the community on student success. I became the Lead Counselor and then the Coordinator for Guidance and Counseling.
My current position affords me with the opportunity to serve the 55,000 students in Clayton County Public Schools and the entire Clayton County community. I am able to provide direct and indirect support to students through my elementary, middle and high school Professional School Counselors. They are the absolute very best in the metro Atlanta area.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road that I have traveled has been filled with triumphs after struggles. However, my struggles have consistently led to progress. I consider myself blessed to have health, family friends and a profession that I love. When I witness the struggles of many of my students, who are my children, there is very little in life that cannot be overcome.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I work for Clayton County Public Schools and serve as the Coordinator for Guidance and Counseling and Mentorship, Supervisor for the ChildTec Dropout Prevention Program, and the District Lead for the GEAR UP Georgia grant and Communities In Schools. I specialize in working with elementary, middle and high school counselors to make a difference in the lives of students. In my position, I provide supervision for the K-12 Comprehensive and Developmental School Counseling Program. The aforementioned is based upon the American School Counselors Association’s National Model for School Counseling. Under my leadership, Clayton County Public Schools Professional School Counselors provide academic, social, emotional and post-secondary school counseling to all students and actively engage all stakeholders to support student achievement and school success.
My work with the ChildTec Dropout Prevention Program is special because it exists as a second chance for teen parents to earn their high school diploma. The program supports Clayton County Public School parents by providing quality childcare during the school day. Our teen parents are also able to engage in classes focused on leadership and parenting.
I am proud of the accomplishments that Clayton County Public Schools’ commitment to high performance for all students and to be a part of this dynamic system. The work that I do with the counselors, ChildTec, Mentorship, Gear Up, and Communities In Schools directly supports the commitment of the district. I am known for my passion and work for children, leadership, commitment, and dedication to the community, advocacy and for my work with the Gear Up grant. I was honored to be recognized for being an Outstanding Citizen by the state of Georgia.
My dedication, tenacity, persistence, perseverance, the spirit of teamwork, the strength of character, unyielding belief in the betterment of all, my optimism for a better tomorrow, and my audacity for hope sets me apart from others. The attributes previously mentioned are visible in everyday life.
What were you like growing up?
I was an inquisitive child who grew up in a single parent home. My parents were divorced and my father died when I was twelve years old. As a child, I was adventurous and outgoing. I loved being with my family and friends. My grandparents were a huge part of my life. Even at a young age, I loved to travel and preferred being outdoors. One of my favorite pastimes was riding my bike with my friends.
Contact Info:
- Address: Clayton County Public Schools
1058 Fifth Ave
Jonesboro, Georgia 30236 - Website: www.clayton.k12.ga.us
- Phone: 770-313-4065
- Email: alicia.dunn@clayton.k12.ga.us
- Twitter: #PrfSchCounselors@CCPSCouselors1
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