Megan Spiesman is a school counselor at Synergy Alternative High School and has worked at East Hartford Public Schools for more than 20 years. Through positivity and built trust, she helps students stay on track to earn their high school diploma, explore traditional and non-traditional post-secondary pathways, and make a plan for after graduation.
“Megan is an amazing school counselor. She brings in a just an infectious, positive outlook and provides a really warm and welcoming environment for all of our students that really resonates with them,” said Synergy Principal Edgardo Figueroa.
At Synergy, she has taken the lead in bringing in representatives for the school’s weekly speaker series, and she coordinated a CT State Application Day where 20 students were accepted. Additionally, she leads the school’s efforts on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Each year, Synergy sets a goal of 75% completion, and Spiesman has been able to consistently meet that 75%, one of the highest completion percentages among alternative education programs in the state.
“It’s really a testament to all of her hard work and the relationships that she has with both students and with their parents, where they really trust her to provide that guidance for their desired career pathway,” said Figueroa. “She's always making sure that she is meeting frequently with the students, really identifying what is it that they want to do, integrating, of course, the recommendations from teachers, and just bringing in the whole student picture into those post-secondary pathways.”
Learn more about Megan Spiesman in the Q&A below.
How long have you been in your role and at East Hartford Public Schools?
Spiesman: So, I actually started with the district in 2001 as an At-Risk Tutor for the high school. While I was getting my master’s, I was able to work with the school-based health center and Student Assistance Center, and I also did my internship. And then in 2004, I, got a position as a school counselor at East Hartford High School. Then I moved to Woodland and about a couple of years ago, I landed at Synergy.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
Spiesman: I don't know if there is a typical day in education, but it definitely is very student centered, whether that's being in the classroom, doing an advisory lesson on social/emotional learning, or having small groups completing college applications, doing enrichment to earn credits back, or individual counseling as well.
What do you like about working with the students at Synergy and in an alternative education setting?
Spiesman: Synergy is a very special place. I really enjoy working with support staff, teachers. I feel that we're very student centered and that due to the small environment, we are able to really build relationships and work closely with students. It's the time with students that I think is the best part.
What are some of the goals that you have for your students? What do you hope they get out of your work with them?
Spiesman: Besides a high school diploma, at the very end, we hope for a plan, a transition plan to the next level. So that's really exciting to be able to really construct a plan, whether it's a traditional or nontraditional pathway to actually facilitate that and see it come to fruition.
Synergy has a manufacturing lab, and we've been able to really focus not only on college and traditional pathways, but nontraditional pathways as well and jobs in the trades. The manufacturing lab gives us kind of a gateway for hands-on learning for students to explore that learning, and see if it's something they're interested in. And if it's not manufacturing, there's often another path that they'd like to follow within the trades, whether it be HVAC or being an electrician, or doing a two-year program versus a four-year program or a certificate program.
Those decisions are so personal to each student. How do you work with them to ensure they’re on the right path?
Spiesman: I think it's just building rapport, talking. Before you do the work, you have to get to know people and you have to create that trusting and safe environment. And that's what we do here at Synergy. It's, like I said, very student centered and we really like to build the relationship because when you build relationships, the result is teamwork and really big success.
How does it feel when it all comes together and you’re able to help a student take their next step?
Spiesman: I think I just feel really grateful to be able to be trusted by students and families to be able to support in the process. Without student motivation and parental support, none of that would happen. So, I'm glad that we have a real kind of tight knit community that we're able to give that individualized support, but also, make a difference.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.