James B. Edwards is able to offer many guidance and counseling services because it has a full time guidance counselor. The program is developmental by design and includes sequential activities organized and implemented by our counselor, Judy Deas. The program is designed to address the needs of students by helping them to acquire competencies in educational and vocational development, knowledge of self and others, and career planning and exploration.

While conducting classroom guidance classes with all grade levels, Mrs. Deas teaches lessons on topics such as conflict resolution skills, character education, anger management, career exploration, drug and alcohol awareness, and study skills. Small groups outside of the classroom provide support to students with special needs, interests, or concerns. The groups are planned with structured activities designed to develop specific skills and to increase knowledge. Topics may include families in transition, grief and loss, study skills, anger management, adjusting to a new school, etc. In addition, Mrs. Deas meets with students for individual counseling as requested by the students, parents, or teachers.

Mrs. Deas graduated from the College of Charleston where she received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She also has a Master's Degree in Elementary Guidance from the Citadel.

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