Middle school counselors will be working with children that are in the middle of some of the biggest changes they will experience in life. Middle school is that period of time when kids enter that bridge world between elementary school and high school. They are growing fast and dealing with many changes, both personally and educationally. New challenges await them and the middle school counselor can assist them with the transitions.
Here are the steps and training you should take to prepare for these counselor jobs.
- Know if you have what it takes. To be a successful middle school counselor, you should be sincerely interested in dealing with middle school-age kids. This is a very special age group that can require a fair amount of patience. You should be sensitive, especially when dealing with issues and crises, and you should be emotionally prepared to handle the stress that comes with regularly being asked for advice and listening to problems.
- Know the different services that a middle school counselor offers. Middle school counselors provide academic skills support and discuss career options with students. They are also responsible for providing coping strategies for students who undergo crisis or stress and help students deal with highly sensitive issues such as teen sex, dating and peer pressure. Counselors will also give personality and psychological assessments to students.
- Obtain an undergraduate degree. The usual route toward becoming a middle school counselor is through obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree in relevant courses such as psychology, education and sociology. One of the ways to obtain a bachelor’s degree is to enroll in an accredited online university. You will need to continue your education for a master’s degree so this accreditation is essential.
- Find out the guidance counselor requirements in the state that you are interested in working. Different states and regions have different specific requirements for a school guidance counselor. For example, some states require middle school counselors to undergo a few hundred hours of supervised counseling experience, as well as experience teaching middle school, before they can be qualified to become a full-time counselor. Be sure to explore all the options such as private school versus public school requirements and make sure you will be employable by both systems.
- Obtain a master’s degree. Many states require their middle school counselors to obtain a master’s degree in counseling, educational psychology or child psychology before they can practice their profession. These programs generally take two years to complete post undergraduate work. There are several options available both part time and full time. Universities often offer summer programs that cater to educators so they can get their degree during summer break. Again, it is crucial that the program is accredited.
- Take a board exam for school counseling. Some states require their counselors to take a licensing exam before they can practice their profession. Some of the usual examinations counselors take include the following: the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exam, Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test and/or Praxis II School Counseling and Guidance Exam, and some state-specific examinations such as the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE, for Georgia), and the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST, for California). Other states, such as Alaska and Indiana, don’t require their counselors to undergo a licensing examination. Be sure the program that you are enrolled in will allow you to take the test in the state where you intend to practice.
- Salary and job outlook. The median salary for middle school counselors is $53,000. That figure will change with location, education and experience. The job growth for the next ten years is expected to be about 19%.
These are the general steps to take if you want to become a middle school counselor. Be sure to thoroughly research the necessary requirements for the state you intend to practice in before you start your education. Changing states may require more education to be able to practice. This is one job that has a great impact on the lives of young students. It is truly a chance to make a difference in someone’s life, and set them on the right path.