Bethany Flanagan
Bachelor's of Science- Business Education 6th -12th Grades University of North Alabama
Master's Degree- School Counseling PreK-12th Grades University of West Alabama
Pursuing Instructional Leadership Master's Certification- PreK-12th Grades Universtiy of North Alabama
As the Winston Career Academy Counselor, I help students from Addison, Lynn, Meek, and Winston County High Schools. I work with students in grades ten through twelve with a variety of career development activities, as well as academic, post-secondary and personal/social counseling.
The mission of the Winston County Technical Center's Guidance Program is comprehensive for preparation of every WCTC student for present and future challenges socially, academically, and emotionally. I will help prepare students with opportunities to gain an understanding of self and others, to participate in educational and occupational exploration, and to pursue career planning opportunities in a learning environment that is safe, caring, and encouraging. As the WCTC counselor, I work in collaborative partnerships with students, educators, parents, and community members to empower students to reach their highest level as productive members of the 21st century global workforce.
Topics for individual student planning activities are:
- Career Awareness and Exploration
- Career/Technical Education Program Intervention
- Teacher Advisor Programs
- Career Shadowing
- Postsecondary Application Process
- Four-Year Educational Plans
- National Technical Honor Society
- Financial Aid/Scholarship Advising
- Special Needs Record Keeping and Implementation Coordination
Winston Career Academy
2024-2025
Advisory Board Members for Counseling Department
United States Postal Service & Parent Representative- Amanda Elliott
Wallace State Community College Recruiter- Logan Edmonds
WCBOE Substitute Teacher- Barbara Csitar
WCBOE Retired Special Education Coordinator- Sara Ritter
WCBOE Curriculum Administrator- Jennifer Baker
WCBOE Curriculum Administrator- Marla Price
Bevill State Community College Recruiter- Cole Richards
Students & or Parents,
Click above on the Alabama Community College System Seal to go to a website which displays many community colleges that are in our area for your scholarship and financial aid applications/information.
Here are Ten Tips for Drug Prevention--Youth:
- Don’t Be Afraid to Say No: Sometimes, our fear of negative reaction from our friends, or others we don’t even know, keeps us from doing what we know is right. Real simple, it may seem like “everyone is doing it,” but they are not. Don’t let someone else make your decisions for you. If someone is pressuring you to do something that's not right for you, you have the right to say no, the right not to give a reason why, and the right to just walk away.
- Connect With Your Friends and Avoid Negative Peer Pressure: Pay attention to who you are hanging out with. If you are hanging out with a group in which the majority of kids are drinking alcohol or using drugs to get high, you may want to think about making some new friends. You may be headed toward an alcohol and drug problem if you continue to hang around others who routinely drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, abuse prescription drugs or use illegal drugs. You don't have to go along to get along.
- Make Connections With Your Parents or Other Adults: As you grow up, having people you can rely on, people you can talk to about life, life’s challenges and your decisions about alcohol and drugs is very important. The opportunity to benefit from someone else’s life experiences can help put things in perspective and can be invaluable.
- Enjoy Life and Do What You Love - Don’t Add Alcohol and Drugs: Learn how to enjoy life and the people in your life, without adding alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs can change who you are, limit your potential and complicate your life. Too often, “I’m bored” is just an excuse. Get out and get active in school and community activities such as music, sports, arts or a part-time job. Giving back as a volunteer is a great way to gain perspective on life.
- Follow the Family Rules About Alcohol and Drugs: As you grow up and want to assume more control over your life, having the trust and respect of your parents is very important. Don’t let alcohol and drugs come between you and your parents. Talking with mom and dad about alcohol and drugs can be very helpful.
- Get Educated About Alcohol and Drugs: You cannot rely on the myths and misconceptions that are out there among your friends and on the internet. Your ability to make the right decisions includes getting educated. Visit Learn About Alcohol and Learn About Drugs. And, as you learn, share what you are learning with your friends and your family.
- Be a Role Model and Set a Positive Example: Don’t forget, what you do is more important than what you say! You are setting the foundation and direction for your life; where are you headed?
- Plan Ahead: As you make plans for the party or going out with friends you need to plan ahead. You need to protect yourself and be smart. Don’t become a victim of someone else’s alcohol or drug use. Make sure that there is someone you can call, day or night, no matter what, if you need them. And, do the same for your friends.
- Speak Out/Speak Up/Take Control: Take responsibility for your life, your health and your safety. Speak up about what alcohol and drugs are doing to your friends, your community and encourage others to do the same.
- Get help!: If you or someone you know is in trouble with alcohol or drugs, get help. Don’t wait. You don't have to be alone.