The American School Counselor Association Indiana School Counselor of the Year award for 2025 was given to Franklin’s very own Monica Anderson.
Anderson is a school counselor at Franklin Community Middle School (FCMS). Originally from Columbus, Indiana, she attended Franklin College and ended up making Franklin her home. She resides in Franklin with her husband, Brian, and their three sons, Max, Reid and Graham.
Her career began in the Healthy Families program with adult and child services as she worked on her master’s degree. She has served as a school counselor now for 18 years.
In January she and Brian flew to Washington, D.C., as part of the award recognition. Counselors across the nation were brought together for two days of events including sessions on Capitol Hill and a beautiful gala. Anderson said the experience was “affirming and energizing to meet like-minded and career-driven people.”
“The spotlight is uncomfortable for me; I like to stay in the back,” she said. “I was honored to be chosen, and for people I respect to honor me with this award.”
While discussing her role as a school counselor, Anderson explained how the job has evolved from what was once referred to as guidance counselor, to a more professional role beyond discussing career goals or behavioral issues. Today’s school counselors are immersed in making connections with the students. Her job is centered on students and being an advocate of all kids, regardless of circumstances. Anderson said she thinks of her job as growing and developing better humans.
Anderson sees an average of 30 to 35 students weekly on an individual basis. Along with that, she goes into classrooms once every three months in a mentoring role. She oversees the class of 2030, which includes 358 students.
When asked what challenges she faces daily as a middle school counselor, Anderson said social media and internet forces are huge. Middle school children are already notorious for their feelings, whether emotional, physical or psychological. This creates a challenge for not only the kids, but also for the parents and educators. Advocating to parents for kids has been hard to navigate in some circumstances as well. She says she genuinely believes it “takes a village” to raise children.
Anderson said the best feeling is to see students after they leave the middle school – to have a student come up to her and fill her in on how their life is going, how circumstances may have changed for the better, and also let her know they recognize how she contributed to that change. Those are the moments when she feels the rewards of her job.
“Working alongside Monica Anderson is magical,” said Tina Tracy, FCMS school counselor. “She is happy every single day, and brings cheer and joy to all those around her. As a school counselor she is collaborative, progressive, uplifting and driven to serve our students in the best way possible. As a longtime friend and coworker, she is trustworthy, empathic and steadfast. Monica gives everything to the staff and students at FCMS, and I am truly happy she is finally being recognized for all the hard work she has put in over the years. Her dedication and passion make a lasting impact on everyone she meets, and there is no one more deserving of this recognition.”
