Berlin CSD would like to introduce Mr. James Shaw, as the new Berlin Middle School Counselor. Mr. Shaw is a welcome addition to the BMHS Counseling team and looks forward to supporting middle school Mountaineers and their families as they navigate grades 6-8. Current BMHS Counselor Mrs. Rachel Harrison will now be the High School Counselor only. Please visit the BMHS counseling page to stay up to date on the latest news and important information here
Learn more about Mr. Shaw in his own words below.
What is your new position at BCSD?
I will be the Berlin Middle School Counselor this year and am excited to join the counseling team at BMHS.
What is your educational background?
- Berlin Class of 2009 – Regents Diploma
- HVCC ‘2012 – Associates in Individual Studies
- University at Albany ‘2014 – BA in Sociology
- Sage Graduate School ‘2019 – Masters in Professional School Counseling
I am also currently attending the University at Buffalo (online) in order to get my Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling. My goal is to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor which can be beneficial inside and outside of the school setting. I should be finished either in Spring or Summer of 2025!
What have been some of the highlights you have experienced working at Berlin CSD up to this point?
- Attending the amazing events our school district puts on! Fall Fest, the Wellness Fair, concerts. I am excited to take part in more of the events at the middle and high school this year as well as events at the elementary school still!
- Building relationships and working with families and community members to help our students be successful
- Being able to work with like-minded individuals who go above and beyond for their students and students’ families in order to help them be successful. So grateful to be surrounded by such exceptional people!
- And let’s be honest – our high possibility for having snow days is pretty rad too
What are some of the goals you have set for your new role in the district?
- Working with our district social media specialist to streamline our district counseling page as well as providing tips for middle school students on social media and the counseling page
- Working with all stakeholders (students, teachers, parents, and staff) to best meet the social-emotional needs of our middle school students
What are your interests outside of school?
Spending time with friends, listening to music and attending concerts; arts & crafts, DIY, learning new things (whether it be from reading or watching documentaries/YouTube videos or taking classes), writing (mainly poetry), hiking, photography, singing, and Halloween (but not the scary parts of it)
Congratulations on your new role Mr. Shaw!