Tech High School counselor, Erin Bloch, always had psychology in mind when she attended college, working full-time as a paraprofessional during the day at an elementary school and attending classes at night. Working with students day-to-day, however, made her rethink her direction of psychology.
“[I started] looking at different careers and different areas where I could support students in their learning,” explains Bloch. “Not necessarily as a classroom teacher but a support staff. I fell on school counseling. Which I always saw myself doing.”
Bloch completed her undergraduate in applied psychology and then her master’s degree in school counseling at St. Cloud State University.
Though Bloch started with elementary students, her passion is working with adolescents. She loves that transition age (into adulthood) because that’s when students begin to discover who they are and become more independent.
She interned at ALC working with students at risk of school failure and wished she could have started her career there. However, her first job offer was at Melrose High School.
“And then an opening came [up] at Tech High School … It was a hard decision because I wanted to give more time to Melrose, but I really really wanted to be at Tech. I’ve been here ever since.”
Bloch is happy to have recently celebrated her 20th year at Tech.
And the years have gone by fast. Though the decades change and fads change, students don’t change much. They still need guidance for careers. Students still need an ear to listen to them when they have problems or concerns, and they especially need someone to share in their celebrations.
“Our goal is for our students to be successful and graduate from high school,” says Bloch. “So, we support everything that goes into that – the social-emotional, the academics, the behavioral growth of our kids. So, whatever that looks like – whatever that student needs, that’s what we hope to support so they can be successful.”
Bloch meets with students daily and even more so during class registration time. She and her team make it a point to meet with every student to help plan their future.
She loves to see the “aha” moments of awareness happen right before her students’ eyes.
“With all of us, when we’re ready to hear something, it seems we have those aha moments,” smiles Bloch. “I feel like that understanding is there, but to be in the moment when they are ready to hear and ready to move in a direction that really helps them. … We have these nuggets that’s not new information, but them seeing that it’s a possibility for them and ready to take on that challenge. Those are always great moments.”
Better yet is when former students reach out to Bloch after graduation.
“One of my former students just turned 30,” laughs Bloch. “She and I have stayed in Facebook touch for a long time. She’s doing great, and it’s so fun to see her. We commiserate over our age together.”
Surprise notes from former students always touch her heart because she is reminded that she’s made a difference in their lives.
“It’s such a rewarding job,” Bloch says.
Twenty years and still smiling–we’re convinced!
Fun Facts:
1. In her spare time, Bloch can be found on the trails with her dogs.
2. She is a volunteer dog walker for Tri-County Humane Society.
3. Her summers are spent on her bike.
4. Bloch also loves to read and watch movies with her family.
5. She has two sons, both graduates of Tech High School.
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