School counseling programs

Which types of jobs are available for those interested in school counseling?

The primary role of most school counselors is to support and advise students regarding their needs in three areas: academic, social/personal and career development. They aim to help students succeed in their various endeavors. These counselors work at elementary, middle, high and postsecondary schools.

They're also charged with supporting a safe learning environment, ensuring students' human rights remain protected and providing prevention and intervention services. They mediate between parties, handle crises, resolve conflicts, organize student tests, monitor school hallways and provide school tours.

Along with assisting students, they also support students' families and school staff members. With respect to families, they may help parents in crisis, help families obtain emergency utility services, intervene when domestic abuse is reported and more. Staff support can involve assisting the principal with troublesome students, helping the school nurse with medical issues and serving on school committees.

School counselors' work often involves counseling individuals and/or groups; conferring with parents, teachers and social service agencies; coordinating certain school activities; and maintaining accurate, complete student records. Each education level requires distinct duties. For example, high school counselors help students with college matters and job-seeking skills.

A day in the life of a school counselor can't be scripted, as new situations and challenges arise regularly. It's common for these professionals to tackle a myriad of tasks on any given day. School counselors are busy. According to the American School Counselor Association, while it recommends a ratio of students to school counselors of 250-to-1, the national average is actually 457-to-1.

One of the perks people in school counseling jobs cite is the work's rewarding nature, particularly when it comes to being able to affect students' lives positively. Some enjoy the school schedule, with holidays and summers free in some cases.i

In terms of challenges, school counselors struggle to instill confidence in students. With so many important duties to be handled on a regular basis, school counselors can struggle with priorities. The potential exists for them to try to do what everyone wants, which is unrealistic. The increasing reliance on technology within schools also can be difficult for school counselors with weak skills in that area.

Formal training required to work in a career related to school counseling

Becoming a school counselor for any education level typically requires both bachelor's and master's school counseling degrees. Coursework involved in school counseling degree programs typically covers human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, relationships, career development, assessment, counseling techniques, group work, professional ethics and identity, and research and program evaluation. The required 48 and 60 semester hours of graduate study in an accredited master's degree program includes a period of supervised counseling in a clinical setting.

The licensing requirements for school counselors vary from state to state. Some states require school counselors to be licensed; others don't. Some require a state school counseling license and some completed graduate coursework. Most, however, mandate a license and completion of a master's degree. Some states require both counseling and teaching certificates along with some teaching experience.

The typical career path of someone interested in school counseling

People who pursue school counseling careers are good listeners, problem solvers and are often passionate about helping others. Most spend their entire careers as counselors in a school setting. Some, though, leave the school setting and offer counseling services on their own. Some become counseling educators or consultants. Others go on to obtain a doctorate or medical degree to practice as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Job outlook and salary information for those interested in school counseling

Nationwide, in 2009, school counseling jobs brought in a median annual salary of $52,550 or a median hourly wage of $25.27, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay tends to be highest at elementary and secondary schools, with junior colleges following, then colleges, universities and professional schools. The states with the highest wages for school counselors are, from most to least: New Jersey, Alaska, Maryland, Rhode Island and New York.

The job outlook is favorable. Per the BLS, employment for school counselors is predicted to grow 14 percent between 2008 and 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. This is attributed to states requiring elementary schools to employ counselors and to an already-occurring broadening of school counselors' duties.