How the Educator–Counselor–Leader–Collaborator Creates Asset-Rich Schools: A Qualitative Study of a School–Family–Community Partnership

This article discusses school counselors’ multifaceted role as educator–counselor–leader–collaborator, inextricably linked roles so necessary to build strengths-based school–family–community partnerships. We examined the effects of one such partnership on 20 elementary school students, using photo elicitation and interviews to explore students’ satisfactions and experiences about the Just Love partnership. Thematic analysis of the data revealed six categories: (a) perceptions of Just Love, (b) positive feelings, (c) positive relationships and connectedness, (d) classroom and school climate, (e) experiences, and (f) support and resources. Each category comprised themes aligned with protective factors and developmental assets that help students thrive.