MNPS Virtual School Counselor, Mrs. Bauman and all School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6–10, 2023
National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. "School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students' academic concerns, career options, and social/emotional skills," said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. "School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers, and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success."
Dr. Garner, Executive Principal of MNPS Virtual School, shares, "Mrs. Bauman has the heart and mindset for this important service work. She is not only student-centered but also solutions focused. Mrs. Bauman is committed to knowing the students she serves, and her professional work ethic is unmatched. We are grateful to have her serving as our School Counselor. She is making a difference in the lives of the students we serve!"
Mrs. Joy Bauman is a native Tennessean and Nashville resident since 2006 who currently serves as the Professional School Counselor for MNPS Virtual School. After graduating from Hendersonville High School, Mrs. Bauman enrolled at Appalachian State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. With experience in domestic violence and then juvenile justice, Mrs. Bauman felt compelled to take a more proactive approach with youth and enrolled at Tennessee State University to become a Professional School Counselor. Mrs. Bauman served as a Professional School Counselor in Cheatham County Schools at Kingston Springs Elementary for four years while earning her Education Specialist Degree from Middle Tennessee State University. With this advanced degree and experience, Mrs. Bauman served as an administrator at Kingston Springs Elementary and Sycamore Middle School. In addition, Mrs. Bauman was the facilitator for Cheatham County School District's Aspiring Administrator Program for two years. Once transferring to Metro Nashville Public Schools in 2019, Mrs. Bauman most recently served as the Professional School Counselor for Shwab Elementary School. Mrs. Bauman is passionate about empowering young people to believe in themselves and helping them develop self-confidence, perseverance, and empathy. Bauman was named, Professional School Counselor of the Year (2010), Tennessee State University, and was a Teacher of the Year, school-level finalist (2022).
Students, parents, and staff are encouraged to share their appreciation for Mrs. Bauman this week and every week.
ABOUT MNPS VIRTUAL SCHOOL. MNPS Virtual School is Tennessee's first, highest-achieving virtual school. MNPS Virtual School combines rigorous academics with a variety of educational programs, learning experiences, instructional approaches, and academic-support strategies addressing the unique needs, interests, aspirations, and backgrounds of our diverse population of students—creating an extraordinary online learning experience.