Becoming a counselor has always been a goal for Jane Wade – one she is now seeing fully realized at Russellville Elementary School.

“As a graduate of the Russellville City Schools system, it is such an honor to be back among such an outstanding group of administrators, teachers and support personnel,” Wade said.

Wade was a teacher for many years, with her first teaching job at West Elementary School, where she taught kindergarteners and first-graders. After a period of time when she was a stay-at-home mother, Wade returned to teaching at Covenant Christian School in Tuscumbia, where she later became their K-12 guidance counselor.

“Becoming a counselor was always a goal of mine. I had considered going into community counseling but felt that being part of a school system was where I belonged,” Wade said. “After teaching several years, I decided to go back to school and work toward achieving my dream.”

She holds a bachelor’s degree in human relations from Samford University and a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of North Alabama. Later she acquired a master’s in school counseling from The University of West Alabama.

“Having an opportunity to help others in need is what makes this profession so rewarding. Forming those special relationships with students and watching them work through different obstacles and situations makes it all worthwhile,” Wade said.

She said she looks forward to getting to know all of the students at RES and assisting them in “realizing that they all have great potential.”

“Most of all, I want them to know that they have a friend in me,” Wade said. “There are so many difficulties children face. I hope to be someone who can guide them in getting the help that they need as they face these obstacles.”

Returning to the school system that she graduated from and once taught at has been fun for Wade. She is enjoying being back with old friends and getting to know the “friendly new faces there as well.”

“Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful to me during this transition. I am looking forward to what this year has to hold at RES,” Wade said.