For Scott Baldwin, school counselor at Hollibrook Elementary School, helping students succeed begins with building relationships and making sure Every Child knows someone is in their corner.
With 25 years in education, including 16 years in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD), Baldwin has found purpose in helping students overcome challenges, recognize their strengths and grow in confidence.
Becoming a school counselor gave him an opportunity to focus on the whole child, supporting the academic, social and emotional skills students need in school and beyond.
“I hope students leave our interactions knowing that they are valued, capable, and never alone,” Baldwin said.
That work reaches every classroom at Hollibrook. One of his favorite parts of the job is participating in classroom counseling rotations, which allow him to connect with every student on campus.
These lessons create opportunities for children to share, ask questions and practice ways to navigate everyday challenges.
Students learn to communicate, manage emotions, resolve conflicts and set goals. Alongside individual support, these experiences help children strengthen relationships and stay connected to learning.
“Many families may not realize that school counselors do much more than help students during difficult situations,” Baldwin said.
Counselors also support attendance and behavior goals, collaborate with teachers and families, and connect students with resources. Sometimes, that support starts with a regular check-in and grows into meaningful progress.
Baldwin recalled working with a student whose strong emotions made participating in class difficult.
Through consistent check-ins, coping strategies and collaboration with teachers and family members, the child began identifying emotions and using positive strategies to stay engaged.
Over time, the student’s confidence grew, relationships strengthened and classroom participation increased.
For Baldwin, the experience reinforced the difference early support can make, especially when school and home work together.
“Collaboration is one of the most important parts of my role,” he said. “I regularly communicate with teachers and families to understand students’ needs, share strategies, and create consistent support systems.”
He encourages families to reach out with concerns about academic progress, emotional well-being, friendships, behavior, attendance or significant life changes.
They can expect a caring partner who will listen, collaborate and help identify practical strategies and resources for their child.
That shared commitment is also what makes SBISD special to Baldwin: the students, families, teachers and staff who come together to support children’s success.
“I want every student and family to know that I am here to support them,” Baldwin said. “Whether they are celebrating successes or facing challenges, they always have someone at school who cares, listens, and is committed to helping them succeed.”