The sudden announcement of the International Baccalaureate (IB) guidance counselor’s retirement has sent shockwaves through the student body, especially due to the fact that college applications are due soon. IB’s only guidance counselor, Lesley Morter, was a pivotal figure in the lives of students navigating the labyrinth of higher education admissions and her unforeseen retirement on Dec. 2 has left seniors in confusion.
For IB students, the loss feels particularly acute. With deadlines looming and the need for personalized recommendation letters, many students are anxious about how their applications will proceed without her guidance.
“The transition without Morter will be addressed the same way we address any transition without staff. I have three traditional guidance counselors, two IB leads and an IB coordinator; they will chip in,” said Robinson Principal David Brown.
However, students are worried about whether the remaining counseling team can provide the same level of support as Morter. While the school administration has promised a swift transition with the input of multitudes of staff, many fear it won’t be enough to meet the time-sensitive demands of the application season.
“It’s important to have a separate IB guidance counselor because the IB program has specific requirements in order to receive the diploma and it’s imperative to have a guidance counselor who specializes in these needs,” said Aniya Ritch, a senior pursuing the rigorous diploma program.
Traditional counselors have not known students long and well enough to write suitable recommendation letters. IB students feel that the curriculum known for its demanding coursework and emphasis on research and community service requires counselors who can specifically tailor their advice to meet these distinct needs. High school counselors have always served a broad spectrum of students, but many IB students have found that generic counseling services often miss the nuances of their program.
“Because college is nearing, it’s important to have a guidance counselor that I can depend on for support and clarification throughout the application process,” said Ritch.
For many, the anxiety is compounded by the lack of familiarity with the new counselors who will be stepping in.
“I’m sad about Ms. Morter’s retirement because I’ve built a relationship with her over the past couple years. She has extended her support to me since she arrived,” said Ritch.
New IB Coordinator Erin Quinn reassured students that she’s available for any help needed.
“I’m here to help students if they need someone to talk to and if they need help with courses. If there is any need for a schedule change or if students need to talk to a certified counselor, they will go to the traditional counselors chipping in,” Quinn said.
This departure also reflects the broader staffing issues within schools not just in our county, but throughout our whole nation. The departure of teachers can be seen any and everywhere for various reasons.
“It’s a problem, and it’s going to continue—not just with the IB guidance counselor opening, but with any teaching opening. Ms. Morter chose to retire, she’s eligible for retirement and is taking the time out to spend with her family. After working for 30 years in an educational department, you get tired,” said Brown.
Until a new counselor has been named, the atmosphere will remain uneasy. As deadlines inch closer, students are left to grapple with the challenge of maintaining their focus while navigating an unexpected disruption. The interval between having no guidance counselor and having one may be long depending on the time frame in which people apply for the position.
“The position has been advertised and is open, so we have to wait for applicants in order to get a new counselor,” Quinn said.
While the future of when a new IB guidance counselor will be named is uncertain, the traditional counselors, IB leads and the IB coordinator promise to help students in need of support after Morter’s departure.
