School counselors provide guidance services to students. They also collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators, psychologists, medical professionals, and social workers to develop strategies to help students succeed. Elementary school counselors do less vocational and academic counseling than high school counselors do. School counselors at all levels help students cope with social, behavioral, and personal problems.
To become a school counselor, requirements vary significantly by state. Successful students typically complete the following steps:
After completing a degree, one may consider attaining membership with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). The ASCA aids in professional development, publishes a bimonthly magazine and other publications, offers liability insurance, and more. They also have a handy state-by-state guide that describes each state’s certification requirements.
A school counselor is typically responsible for the following job duties:
The average annual salary for a guidance counselor will vary depending on what type of institution one works in, location, and experience. To learn more, please visit our salary outlook for counselors.
The following degrees are closely related to a master’s degree program in school counseling, often allowing you to pursue a career in this field or others:
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