School Counselor Career
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How to Become a School Counselor
School Counselors work with students from elementary school through college. Their job is to help young people make decisions and manage problems related to:
- Academic goals
- Personal issues
- Social development
- Career choices
School counselors make sure that school programs meet the academic, social, emotional, and special needs of all children in the school. They advocate for students, and their goal is to see them succeed in ways that suit their talents, needs, and personalities.
The work of a school counselor is different every day and includes:
- Handling crisis situations
- Working with students on peer relationships
- Evaluating students strengths and needs
- Counseling individual students and groups of students
- Meeting with parents and teachers
Elementary school counselors spend much of their time observing and evaluating children and communicating with parents and teachers in an effort to ensure the that school programs meet the children's needs. High school and college counselors are skilled in academic and career counseling. They help students plan for the future by assessing their talents and interests. As students prepare to leave high school, school counselors guide them through the processes of applying for college, trade school, and jobs. College career counselors assist students by teaching job search skills, resume writing, and interview techniques.
Education Required
Many schools require that school counselors have a master's degree. Public school counselors must have a state counseling certification. Some states require both a teaching and a counseling certificate, and may also require counselors to have teaching experience.
Career Outlook
The job outlook for school counselors is good. Since it has become the norm for people to make one or more career changes in their lifetime, there is a significant demand for school counselors. People are also more aware that such services exist, seeking it out more than in the past, also increasing the need for school counselors.
Salary Range
Based on 2004 data, as an educational, vocational or school counselor, you can expect to earn between $26,260 and up to more than $72,390 per year, with a median earning potential of $45,570 yearly.
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Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor