A Letter from the school counselor, Ms. Wides:
I have a true passion for education, with the strong belief that with a good leader and mentor, any person can accomplish their dreams. I have a passion for educational leadership and a drive to create a positive community.
I believe empowerment and compassion in leadership through education and positive supports will build stronger students, who build stronger communities. Educators give the foundation for children to gain both academic and social skills that will pave the way for the rest of their lives. Each student deserves to be supported; therefore, each child has equal access to opportunities for growth. As an educator, I understand the importance of a positive environment, equalizing possibilities for success at all points of a child’s education.
My pedagogy as a school counselor is based on mutual respect and support. It is the counselor’s role to make sure teachers, parents, and students can work as a team, allowing natural educational opportunities at every step. Each entity needs the resources necessary to provide students with a well-rounded education, leadership opportunities, and empowering possibilities. I am a teacher, having full respect for the profession as an institution of change; I am a social worker, with the knowledge of human needs on the micro, mezzo, and macro level; but most importantly, I am an advocate for children and educators. My ability to combine teaching experience and social work experience lends to being an active part in running a student-centered, educationally driven school.
My overarching goal is to continue accomplishing what I love: teaching leadership through example, facilitating constructive, positive change for young people through education, and being a leader within my community. I look forward to doing this together, as a part of Homestake Peak Community.
Rachel Wides
I believe empowerment and compassion in leadership through education and positive supports will build stronger students, who build stronger communities. Educators give the foundation for children to gain both academic and social skills that will pave the way for the rest of their lives. Each student deserves to be supported; therefore, each child has equal access to opportunities for growth. As an educator, I understand the importance of a positive environment, equalizing possibilities for success at all points of a child’s education.
My pedagogy as a school counselor is based on mutual respect and support. It is the counselor’s role to make sure teachers, parents, and students can work as a team, allowing natural educational opportunities at every step. Each entity needs the resources necessary to provide students with a well-rounded education, leadership opportunities, and empowering possibilities. I am a teacher, having full respect for the profession as an institution of change; I am a social worker, with the knowledge of human needs on the micro, mezzo, and macro level; but most importantly, I am an advocate for children and educators. My ability to combine teaching experience and social work experience lends to being an active part in running a student-centered, educationally driven school.
My overarching goal is to continue accomplishing what I love: teaching leadership through example, facilitating constructive, positive change for young people through education, and being a leader within my community. I look forward to doing this together, as a part of Homestake Peak Community.
Rachel Wides
Ms. Wides' Credentials
Education:
Southern Illinois University of Carbondale
Graduate Program: Masters in Social Work
Focus: School Social Work
Management Center Innsbruck (MCI)
International Social Work and Human Rights
University of Colorado at Boulder
Major: English Literature/Secondary Education
Colorado Educator Licensure:
Special Service Provider - School Social Worker
Colorado Professional Teaching License
Endorsements:
Secondary English Literature
Elementary Education
Special Education
Education Employment (within USA):
Eagle County School District, Homestake Peak School - Eagle-Vail, CO
School Counselor
Eagle County School District, Red Sandstone Elementary School – Vail, CO
Moderate Needs Special Education Teacher
Cherry Creek School District #5, Overland High School – Aurora, CO
English Literature
Education Employment (international):
HeadStart International Education Center – Phuket, Thailand
Grade 1 & 2 combined classroom
Hu Nan Shi Da Fu Zhong: High School Attached to Hunan Normal University – Changsha, China
ELL – Reading, Writing, Speaking
Social Work Employment:
Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village - Clear Creek County, CO
Consulting Mental Health Professional
Carbondale School District # 95 - Carbondale, IL
School Social Work Intern – Thomas School
Southern Illinois University Carbondale - Carbondale, IL
School of Social Work Graduate Assistant
Service Learning Teacher SOCW295
Study Abroad Coordinator
Spectrum At-Risk Youth Wilderness Staff
Administrative Employment:
Georgetown Community School – Georgetown, CO
Vice Principal, Acting Director ECE, Dean of Students, RtI Coordinator
Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life – Carbondale, IL
SIUC Executive Director
Southern Illinois University Certificates and Awards:
International Human Rights in Social Work – FIPSE Grant Award
SIUC School of Social Work Graduate Student of the Year
Conference Presentations:
18th Annual Colorado Charter Schools Conference – Denver, CO
No No Bully - Social Emotional Learning as a Guide to Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
International Social Development Consortium – Dhaka, Bangladesh
The continuum of international social development opportunities for students taking the next step in the field of social work