Paul Weaver Named State Counseling Supervisor of Year

September 25, 2009

Distinguished credentials and a superior ability to advocate for the counseling profession are among the traits that Paul Weaver, Plano ISD director of guidance and counseling, possesses and that enticed judges to select him as Supervisor of the Year for the Texas School Counselor Association.

Paul met recently with Vines High School counselors (l-r) Erin Brinkman, Sherry Berryman, Peggy Marks and Lisa Brown.

During the past 23 years, Paul has served as a teacher and counselor in Plano schools, remaining actively involved in counseling issues, advocacy and public policy. His dynamic leadership sets him apart in the counseling profession.

"Numerous directors consult with Paul and use him as a sounding board when dealing with sensitive and timely issues," noted Lynda Shuttlesworth, Plano ISD executive coordinator of family education and guidance services. "He has a keen sense of understanding and of what counselors offer to each student."

Paul has counseled students at every level - elementary through senior high school - using his knowledge to raise the standards for all Plano ISD counselors. He shares his vision with other districts in the area and across the state and nation.

"Whether Paul interacts with a student, parent or colleague, his demeanor is always gentle and caring, yet decisive," said Clark High School Counselor Marcie Woodrow. "He has a mission to lead counselors to be responsive to the needs of students and families."

As an active member of The College Board, Paul has been a voice for Texas counselors. In only four years as director, he has made significant changes in the Plano ISD program to help serve families and students. His vision led to college curriculum being available to all students from PreK through grade 12. Beginning in middle school, students and their parents have academic conferences to plan their futures.

"As a district leader, Paul never misses an opportunity to build capacity in others," said his supervisor Dr. Cathy Galloway, executive director of student and family services. "Under his guidance our counselors have created secondary classroom guidance curriculum and early intervention programs for all levels. An example of Paul's creative leadership is the district's College Readiness program which impacts all students and parents."

Dr. Galloway noted that, Paul's leadership is often called upon when principals are out of the building, when community crises arise and in response to the state's increasingly rigorous accountability system. He works closely with the human resources department to conduct exhaustive interviews to identify counselor candidates.

"He has the heart of a champion and is the voice for counselors as we work together to take our district to new levels of excellence," said Dr. Galloway.

Numerous counselors and principals nominated Paul for the state award, citing his credentials as a gifted counselor and director.

Professional Biography

Education

Paul is currently a doctoral student through Texas A&M Commerce. He earned several degrees and certificates from East Texas State University, including his mid-management administrator's certificate, professional school counselor certificate, special education counselor certificate, and bachelor's and master's degrees in education.

Professional Experience

Paul taught business education at Shepton High School for six years, beginning in 1986. He served as a school counselor from 1992 through 1998 at Christie and Thomas elementary schools, Robinson Middle School, summer school, and Plano Senior High School, where he was named director of guidance and counseling. In 2005, he was appointed district director of counseling and guidance. In his role, he oversees guidance and counseling program, PreK-12, the college readiness program, PreK-12 and the secondary advanced placement program.

Honors

Among Paul's numerous honors and awards are his being elected in 2004 as a member of the National Guidance and Admission Assembly for The College Board, and earning a special advanced placement recognition award from the Southwestern Region College Board. He was named Counselor of the Year in 2000 by the Texas School Counselor Association, distinguished alumni of Texas A&M-Commerce, and Beginning Teacher of the Year for Plano ISD in 1987.

Committee Involvement

Paul has served on the strategic planning and executive committees for the Texas Association of College Admission Counseling. He also served on the State of Texas Common Application Advisory Committee and the Texas School Counselor Association's committee for School Counselor Issues, Advocacy and Public Policy. He has served on nine various committees for The College Board for the southwest and nation.

Paul will be recognized and honored at the Texas School Counselor Association luncheon to be held on November 13 during the association's annual professional growth conference in Dallas.