Who are school counselors?

School counselors are certified/licensed educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. School counselors are employed at all grade levels as well as in district supervisory positions and school counselor educator positions.

School Counselor Qualifications

• Hold, at minimum, a master’s degree in school counseling
• Meet the state certification/licensure standards
• Fulfill continuing education requirements
• Uphold ASCA ethical and professional standards

Leadership Team Qualifications

School counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for all students. As vital members of the school leadership team, school counselors create a school culture of success for all.

School counselors help ALL students:

• apply academic achievement strategies
• manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills
• plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force)

Appropriate school counselor duties include providing:

• individual student academic planning and goal setting
• school counseling classroom lessons based on student success standards
• short-term counseling to students
• referrals for long-term support
• collaboration with families/teachers/ administrators/ community for student success
• advocacy for students at individual education plan meetings and other student-focused meetings
• data analysis to identify student issues, needs and challenges
• as a systems change agent to improve equity and access, achievement and opportunities for all students