Chattanooga, TN— During School Counselor Appreciation Week, we are proud to recognize John Bellear, school counselor at Brainerd High School, whose calm presence, honesty, and dependability make a difference for students every single day.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Bellear knew early on that psychology was his path. While in high school, he felt drawn to counseling but wasn’t sure what form it would take. He considered clinical therapy until, after earning his undergraduate degree in psychology, he reconnected with his own high school counselor. That conversation helped him see school counseling as a career where he could combine mental health support with daily connection.
That calling became clear almost immediately. After graduation, Bellear began working in an elementary school, and within the first week, he knew he had found his place. “Interacting with kids every day was just so much fun,” he said. “I knew right away that school counseling was it.”
Bellear’s journey eventually brought him to Tennessee after his wife was accepted into PA school. The move was their first time living outside of New York, and what started as a temporary adventure has now turned into four years in the Chattanooga area. Along the way, Bellear has worked at every level from elementary, middle, and high school. This has contributed to his gaining a wide range of experience that now shapes how he supports students at Brainerd High School.
While each age group requires a different approach, Bellear says the biggest difference is communication. Younger students connect through play, energy, and trust that comes easily. High school students, on the other hand, take time. “You have to earn it,” he explained. “But once you do, the conversations can be really meaningful.”
What Bellear finds most fulfilling about working in a high school is walking alongside students during a pivotal stage of life. “They come in at 15 and leave at 18,” he said.
“You get to see them grow, figure out who they are, and start thinking about their future whether it’s college, careers, and life beyond high school. Being part of that process is special.”
A major influence in Bellear’s life and career has been his father. Though his father never had the opportunity to attend college, he consistently encouraged Bellear through moments of doubt and stress. “He reminded me that I was living a life he wished he had the chance to pursue,” Bellear shared. Those conversations shaped how he now supports students who feel overwhelmed or unsure. “Sometimes they just need someone to ground them and say, ‘You’re okay. You can do this.’”
On a daily basis, Bellear hopes students leave his office feeling lighter than when they walked in. Whether a student is angry, frustrated, or simply having a rough day, his goal is to help them reset and get through the rest of the day with confidence. “They may not remember everything you say, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.”
To sustain that level of care, Bellear is intentional about taking care of himself. Exercise is a major outlet, along with playing the guitar, and maintaining healthy routines like sleep and nutrition. “Your mind is your main tool in this job,” he said. “If it’s not in a good place, it’s hard to help others.”
For those considering a career in counseling, Bellear emphasizes the importance of self-care and balance. “You’re supporting a lot of people,” he said. “You have to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, too.”
Looking ahead, Bellear hopes to spend his career rooted in one school community, making a lasting impact in a single place. “I want to be someone people can rely on,” he said. “Someone dependable. Someone who’s there year after year.”
Thank you, John Bellear, for your dedication, consistency, and compassion. Your steady presence at Brainerd High School continues to shape students’ lives in ways that will last far beyond graduation.
