Hospodarsky named ‘Counselor of the Year’


On Nov. 4, Aimee Hospodarsky was named Elementary School Counselor of the Year. She’s been a school counselor since 2001. Surprising Hospodarsky in Des Moines were Superintendent Brian Jaeger, her husband Todd, and Elementary Principal Denny Folken. (Photo submitted)

Hospodarsky and Champ attend PTO Family Night in March. The therapy dog program is just one of the many programs Hospodarsky has been able to implement. (Express file photo)
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

Monticello Community School District Elementary School Counselor Aimee Hospodarsky was named the 2019 Elementary School Counselor of the Year. 

“I am truly honored,” said Hospodarsky. “It’s amazing to be considered among others.” 

The honor is awarded by the Iowa School Counselor Association (ISCA). 

“Hospodarsky was recognized for the outstanding comprehensive and data-driven school counseling program she has developed and implemented,” stated the ISCA. 

Hospodarsky said this is definitely not something that can be done alone. 

“This is evident of the support and good relationships I have with the administration,” said Hospodarsky. “Good things are happening; this is why I do what I do.” 

Hospodarsky was presented with the award early past week, Nov. 4, while at the ISCA conference in Des Moines. While she knew for a while that she was selected as the elementary school awardee, Hospodarsky was still surprised when her husband, Todd, showed up, along with Superintendent Brian Jaeger and Elementary Principal Denny Folken. 

“I about died,” she laughed. “Everyone knew they were coming but me.” 

Hospodarsky works with 325 students at both Shannon and Carpenter schools. 

Prior to becoming a school counselor, Hospodarsky was a teacher for seven years. She became a school counselor in 2001. 

“I loved working with kids, but saw barriers in learning that needed to be addressed,” she explained. Hospodarsky said she feels being a school counselor allows her to make an impact on the students’ and teachers’ lives. 

“I can’t do what I do without the people around me.” 

Many programs have been implemented with Hospodarsky’s leadership behind them: Champ the Therapy Dog, PBIS, Family Night, and school-wide and district-wide celebrations. 

“Champ is a tool for the counseling program,” explained Hospodarsky. “Some kids just connect better with him than with people.” 

Champ has also been incorporated into the school curriculum. 

Hospodarsky also serves on many committees within the MCSD: Building Leadership Team, Teacher Dialogue Committee, TLS (Teacher Leadership System), as well as a variety of other leadership roles. 

She’s also held several leadership positions with the ISCA, and is currently Immediate Past President. 

With ISCA, Hospodarsky has served on a variety of committees: Chronic Absenteeism Advisory, Work-Based Learning Clearinghouse, and the state DE SEL Advisory Committee. 

She was also appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds to the Future Ready Iowa Alliance. 

Hospodarsky was nominated by former MCSD curriculum director Gretchen Kriegel and an elementary school counselor in Cedar Rapids. After the nomination, she had to fill out an extensive application, put together a video, and write an essay. She also had to secure several letters of reference. 

“I didn’t tell anyone I was applying,” said Hospodarsky, with the exception of those who nominated her and those writing the letters. 

Part of the criteria includes one’s district leadership, advocacy, collaboration, and systematic changes. 

“I continue to reflect that this is not about me,” said Hospodarsky. “It reflects all those in the counseling program, our wonderful support staff, and the administration. We all do such great things.” 

Hospodarsky is not one to toot her own horn, but does sing the praises of the MCSD. 

“It’s about shining a light on the great stuff here,” she said. 

Hospodarsky said after working in a large school district in Cedar Rapids years ago, she sees the benefits of working in a district the size of Monticello. 

“If you see something that needs to be changed, you have a direct impact here,” she said. “The wheels of change are slower in a large district. We have personal relationships with the administration and staff.” 

Those selected by the ISCA will go on to compete nationally in Washington, D.C. for school counselor of the year. 

Folken shared, “Aimee is one of those rare people that have all the most important attributes that you want to see in your school. Her resume is very impressive, but more importantly, she also has the strengths to support her qualifications.” 

“I am just passionate about counseling and try to make a difference,” said Hospodarsky. 

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