How to Become a School Counselor

Working in education can be a very rewarding and a satisfying occupation. If you're thinking about helping students and parents navigate the terrains of the educational system, and come out on top, then maybe becoming a school counselor is for you. Here is what you need to keep in mind about becoming a school counselor.

Education

In order to become a school counselor, you must have a master's degree in school counseling. It doesn't matter what your undergraduate major was. It does not have to be psychology. Research and find a school that offers a Masters of Education in school counseling, counseling education, School counseling programs usually take about two years to complete. Upon successful completion of a program, you will be licensed to become a school counselor.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities vary according to whether you are an elementary, middle or high school counselor. High school counselors work more on academic and vocational counseling. They offer aptitude tests, help students create resumes, apply for scholarships, stay on track for graduation, etc. If you want to help students figure out their best options for their life post high school, then high school counseling would be a good fit. Elementary school counselors do more classroom observations and class presentations on character education, and assessing academic and social problems in students.

As a school counselor, regardless of grade level, your responsibility includes helping students reach academic achievement, and aid in personal/social and career development. The means by doing this includes individual meetings with students and students and parents and group and individual counseling sessions. Lessons on various areas of personal/social and career development that are presented to students in classrooms. Meetings with teachers to help struggling students and assess their needs.

As a school counselor you must develop and implement a curriculum to assist in maximizing the success for all students. Also, be able to make referrals to outside agencies if needed for struggling students. The responsibilities for a school counselor are many and varied. The ultimate goal is to help all students become successful, well-adjusted young people.

If you are interested in becoming a school counselor, then you are considering a very worthy profession. A great idea is to shadow a school counselor to see what their typical day is like. If you think that the career is a good fit for you, research what schools in your area or online offer a Master's in school counseling, and try to enroll. You will then be on your way to one of the best jobs in the education field.