Hospodarsky named ’21 Iowa School Counselor of the Year


MCSD Elementary School Counselor Aimee Hospodarsky was named the 2021 Iowa School Counselor of the Year.

MCSD School Therapy Dog Champ was always a highlight during PTO Family Fun Night at the Berndes Center. At the last event before COVID, Elementary School Counselor Aimee Hospodarsky introduced Champ to Kota Gatena. Sadly Champ passed away a few weeks ago. (Express file photo)
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     National School Counseling Week is celebrated Feb. 1-5 this year.

     The Monticello Community School District has three outstanding school counselors:

     • Aimee Hospodarsky, elementary school counselor

     • Kathy Larson, middle school counselor

     • Carmen Stenger, high school counselor

     In November 2019, Hospodarsky was named Iowa’s Elementary School Counselor of the Year. For 2021, Hospodarsky was named Iowa’s overall School Counselor of the Year (SCOY)!

     “It’s hard for me to put into words how honored I am to be recognized as the 2021 Iowa SCOY,” expressed Hospodarsky. “It really represents a lot of hard work over time and holding myself to a high professional bar.”

     Hospodarsky acknowledges the support of her colleagues and professional network throughout her career.

     Hospodarsky has been with the MCSD for 23 years.

     “It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long,” she remarked.

     She became a school counselor in 2001 after teaching for seven years prior.

     “I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in education because I love kids,” she said. “That is still the bottom line for me; I enjoy working with kids.”

     Typically, those named SCOY from each state would gather in Washington, D.C. for various festivities. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, those activities are virtual. Hospodarsky said among all of the great opportunities this year, a couple stand out:

     • A special virtual happy hour on Monday, Feb. 1.

     “This is time for us to connect via breakout rooms and such and get to know each other a little since we aren’t connecting in-person,” said Hospodarsky.

     • A virtual gala will take place on Thursday, Feb. 4.

     “A good part about being virtual is that I can have ‘guests’ that wouldn’t be able to join me if we were in D.C.,” shared Hospodarsky. “I’ll have some family and some of my professional colleagues and friends in attendance, and I’m so happy that they’ll be able to join me because in a regular year, they wouldn’t.”

     Hospodarsky was pleasantly surprised when she received a gift box in the mail that included a large variety of items associated with being named Iowa’s SCOY.

     “It’s probably not quite on the same level, but for me, it was life the gift basket that Grammy Award winners receive,” she said. “I told my husband (MHS Student Success Coordinator Todd Hospodarsky) it was like Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one!”

     There are lots of things Hospodarsky enjoys about her job as a school counselor. But she said the best part is “seeing kids grow and succeed.” She feels privileged to be part of a team of professionals all working together to make that happen for the students.

     “Elementary students are so energetic, loving, accepting, and fun,” said Hospodarsky. “I’ve been known to be a little goofy and they don’t think I’m weird – or if they do, they just roll with it!”

     She said each day of work has its own set of challenges, but it’s never boring.

     Champ, the MCSD therapy dog, sadly passed away a few weeks ago. Champ was also a member of the Hospodarsky family. Hospodarsky equated Champ’s role as that of a Swiss army knife in terms of the various tools in a school counselor’s toolbox.

     “I could use him in so many ways,” shared Hospodarsky. For instance: curriculum connections, reinforcing PBIS philosophy, reading and writing ties, social/emotional learning applications, etc. Hospodarsky said she felt more like Champ’s sidekick, or Robin, to his Batman.

     “Kids always greeted Champ when he came down the hallway. He touched a lot of lives, and I was privileged to be the one to often get to see it firsthand.”

     Plans are already in the works for a new therapy dog.

     “I’m elated for the support from our school board, administration, and MCSD Foundation that will allow this program to continue,” thanked Hospodarsky.

     She said she received so many nice cards from students following Champ’s retirement and passing. It showed just how much of a difference Champ made in the students’ lives.

     Like many sectors of the MCSD, Hospodarsky’s job was also upended because of the pandemic.

     “I don’t think it’s a stretch to say this has been the most difficult year of my career.”

     The school counselors were forced to create new systems for students, which stretched their capacity and workload.

     “We are trying our hardest to keep everyone safe while maintaining our high standards of education,” said Hospodarsky. “In my role as a connector between students, families, and staff, it’s been a challenge.”

     At the start of the current school year, Hospodarsky it very much felt like his first year in education all over again. She said it’s been great to be able to lean on her colleagues for support, knowing they’re all going through the same thing right now.

     Hospodarsky is also a part of many committees throughout the MCSD: School Counseling Curriculum Lead (Teacher Leadership System position), Building Leadership Team, Teacher Dialogue Committee, Elementary PBIS Team (internal coach), and District Career Guidance Team.

     Working for the MCSD, Hospodarsky said staff have so many opportunities for leadership and collaboration, while appreciating everyone’s roles.

     Hospodarsky was also a member of Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Future Ready Iowa Alliance. While her work with that initiative has ended, some recommendations are still being carried out. For instance, a Work-Based Learning Clearinghouse was created. Hospodarsky was a part of the advisory council for that specific project.

     “I’ve also continued work particular to the field of school counseling,” she said. “I was recently a part of a work group charged with providing some recommendations for the Governor’s STEM Council on career awareness.”

     This year, Hospodarsky will be completing her final year as an Iowa School Counselor Association President board member. She serves as immediate past president, with her term ending July 1.

     “Over my 10 years on the board, I’ve been afforded so many opportunities and there’s no question that I’m a better school counselor today because of my experiences on the board. I’m grateful to have had the support from my district for that opportunity.”

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