What Is a School Counselor?
These types of counselors are concerned with the educational growth of school-aged children and provide counseling services for academic issues as well as personal, behavioral, or social problems. They may meet with students individually, in groups, or as an entire class to implement special services pertaining to life skill development, conflict resolution, preventative programming, and academic planning.
To ensure academic success, they often conduct assessments that help identify student problems, strengths, or special needs and discuss results with parents and teachers. Those who work specifically with high school students often provide advising services concerning college admissions, career exploration, job skills, and personal development.
Along with parents and teachers, school counselors work closely with administrators, psychologists, social workers, and other medical professionals. They work in public and private schools where most of their time is spent in an office or classroom environment. These counselors work during regular school hours and typically follow a schedule that revolves around the academic calendar.
How to Become a School Counselor
Those interested in becoming school counselors should earn a bachelor’s degree in an area related to education or psychology before entering a master’s program in elementary school counseling or secondary school counseling.
In these types of programs, students learn about human develop and psychology, as well as aspects of school counseling like educational assessment, classroom intervention, and counseling methods. Common courses include counseling theories and techniques, individual and group assessment, counseling and school psychology, issues in special education, career counseling and development, and ethical and legal standards in counseling. Most graduate programs require students to complete an internship in school counseling in order to gain practical experience.
Depending on where a counselor wants to work, they may be required to pass a licensing examination or earn a state school counseling certification or teaching certification. Most counselors who are just starting out may begin their careers in entry-level or assistant positions before advancing to positions like counseling services directors, guidance counselors, or school administrators.
School Counselor Career Outlook & Salary
It seems as if the importance of providing counseling services in academic environments is becoming more apparent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of counselors is projected to grow by 18% within the next decade, with employment of educational, vocational, and school counselors increasing by 14%.
This is due to the expanding role of school counselors in education which is requiring them to take on more responsibilities and provide a wider variety of services. The chances of obtaining a counseling job are high since there will likely be more job openings than individuals who successfully complete graduate counseling programs.
Although, school budget constraints may reduce the number of available school counseling jobs and increase competition in this field. The Bureau reported that the median annual wages of these types of counselors was $51,050 in May 2008, with those working at elementary and secondary schools earning the highest amounts.
