Title: High School Counselor
Company: Agua Fria Union High School District
Location: Laveen, Arizona, United States
Jill Ann Thomas, high school counselor at Agua Fria Union High School District, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in education.
Ms. Thomas is an experienced educator affiliated with the Agua Fria Union High School District (AFUHSD) in Arizona since 2007 as a high school counselor for Millennium High School students. She is among five other counselors on campus, assisting approximately 400 students as they navigate their education. In addition to ensuring they have the tools to succeed, Ms. Thomas manages their schedules and guides senior students as they plan for their futures after graduation. Moreover, she collaborates with social workers to support her students.
Besides her role as a counselor, Ms. Thomas has secured the district-level coordinator position for counselors. As such, she oversees professional development, collaboration with schools to facilitate the transition of new ninth graders, and crisis management at the district level, among other tasks. Grateful for this leadership position, Ms. Thomas’s position has provided her with the opportunity to showcase her dedication and aptitude for the role.
AFUHSD is a high school district that serves grades 9-12 throughout Goodyear, Buckeye, Avondale, Waddell and Litchfield Park, Arizona. Founded in 1955, it comprises five high schools and is expanding by opening a new high school for the 2025-2026 academic school year due to the influx of new residents in the area.
Before joining the Arizona school district, Ms. Thomas was a behavior specialist in Charlotte, North Carolina. She also taught for a charter school in Boston and a public school in Washington. Earlier in her career, Ms. Thomas was an elementary school teacher for a public school in Tennessee.
In preparation for her career in education, Ms. Thomas attended Northern Arizona University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Education in elementary education and a minor in psychology. Subsequently, she received a master’s degree in school counseling and guidance services from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Besides her formal education, Ms. Thomas received leadership specialist certification through the American School Counselors Association (ASCA), making her highly qualified in her field.
Active in her professional community, Ms. Thomas remains relevant as a member of the ASCA and the Arizona School Counselors Association. These organizations have provided her with guidance, support and networking opportunities that have been pivotal to her career success and progression.
Ms. Thomas’ accomplishments have been recognized with several accolades, such as the Super Tiger Award and the Crystal Apple Award. She reflects on her success with pride, crediting much of it to her parents, particularly her mother, who helped shape her into who she is today. Her mother was her biggest supporter throughout her and her siblings’ journeys.
Eager for the future of her career, Ms. Thomas is pursuing an ethics specialist certification to provide her with advanced capabilities in the workplace. She also intends to transform her district into a student-centered environment, focusing on providing exceptional student services. By creating a welcoming atmosphere, it will attract future faculty members who want to be part of the institution. Additionally, Ms. Thomas is enthusiastic about remaining committed to mentoring students as they prepare for their future endeavors beyond high school.
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