Counselor-Principal Partnerships - Strategies for Success
Date: February 2, 2026
Time: 12:00-1:00pm UTC
About this webinar
The collegial relationship between principals and counselors is one of, if not the, most important working relationships in any school. The partnership between these two key educators drives student academic and social-emotional success. However, many schools struggle to find ways to develop that relationship as a partnership based on trust, respect, open communication, and shared decision making. We will share research-based strategies that have worked at our school and can help any counselor thrive in working with their school leadership team.
Using research from the college board, participants will explore the critical impact of alignment between Principals and School Counselors on the overall student experience. Attendees will learn strategies to engage with colleagues through a lens of empathy, offering understanding for mistakes and allowing time to recalibrate. How to share a common vision, collaborate effectively, and recognize important professional contributions. The session emphasizes approaching interactions with the assumption of positive intent, exercising discernment in knowing when to provide support and when to allow space.While guidance from the College Board informs these practices, this webinar highlights how the human element is essential for fostering strong, collaborative relationships that support student success.
Speakers
Ted O’Connell currently serves as the MS Principal at WBAIS Israel, having arrived in August 2021. Prior to WBAIS, Ted served in five international schools across Latin America, all at the Middle School level. Originally from Boston, Ted loves all things Middle School, particularly the balance between academic and social-emotional development that occurs during this magical time in kids’ lives. Having earned graduate degrees in Curriculum and Instruction as well as Educational Leadership, Ted focuses on the power of values, stories, and positive school culture to make an impact on student and teacher growth. Ted is a proud member of the ELMLE steering committee and recently had an article published in AAIE’s InterEd magazine on agile leadership.
Jennifer Biton serves as the Middle School Counselor at WBAIS Israel. With over 20 years of experience counseling children, adolescents, and adults across diverse settings, she has been a valued member of the international school community since January 2024. Before relocating to Israel, she was the Director of Mental Health Services at a K–12 private school in South Florida. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and has extensive experience in various areas of mental health, including inpatient and outpatient care, as well as intensive outpatient programs. Additionally, she has served as a high school counselor and AP Coordinator and has supervised school counselors across 34 public schools in South Florida, supporting students from elementary through high school.