Counselors help people through tough situations and the hardships of life, and nobody does it better than our new Fair Grove Elementary Counselor.  Adults aren’t the only ones with stress in their life which needs assistance to cope with, young kids go through the same problems. A counselor helps with job and career concerns, educational decisions, mental and emotional health issues, and relationship problems.  It is a big role to fill and Jason Bushman is the the man for the job.

Bushman was a graduate assistant in the education department at Evangel University. He would even help the professors that taught him through issues behind the scenes. When he came to this school, he had two big goals he wanted to accomplish.  Bushman comments, “The first one was to create a positive school atmosphere. This is what I’m passionate about! I love the hi fives in the hall, popping into classrooms to say hi, the walks in the hall with kids, the lunch bunches, the special handshakes I have with the kids and greeting them before and after school. I believe this all contributes to making our school a fun place for kids to be!”  Bushman really cares about the kids and wants to everything in his power to help them anyway he can. Bushman continues with, “My second goal was to be in the classroom teaching every week. I would say this got accomplished! In the time I’ve been here, I’ve been able to teach 162 counseling lessons! I have the teachers and Dr. Hollan to thank for this! Without their support for my vision, this would not have happened.”  

His main objective is to find out how each and every elementary student operates and work around him to best suit his individual needs.  He works personally like this to create a sense of comfort for them, to help them as an individual, not just the same routine for everyone.  It really matters to him to find out how each student ticks so he can help them to the best of his ability. Bushman states, “It has been a dream come true! I’m very honored to be able to work with such a great team. The staff and teachers have been so welcoming! I love how we all help each other to serve, teach, and care for these kids. To have a team with that attitude, is incredible! When I think of Fair Grove Schools, I think of community and family.”  The Fair Grove Community is happy to welcome Jason in with open and caring arms.