Have you thought about becoming a school counselor? If so, then you’ll want to read this article; here you will read about the role of the school guidance counselor, the steps you will need to take to become a school counselor, online training opportunities, salary ranges, and the outlook for jobs in the field.
What is the Role of a School Counselor?
Before you learn how to become a school counselor, you should better understand the duties and responsibilities of the job. School counselors are licensed and certified educators who are concerned with the total success of the student. School counselors address students’ academic, family, social and career concerns by evaluating, advising and designing individual and group programs of success. They play a critical role in the lives of students and their parents, always in confidential and protected sessions, designing and adjusting the school environment so that the student has the best chance of success.
School guidance counselors can be found at the elementary, middle, high school and college levels. A school guidance counselor can also serve as a district supervisor.
A school counselor works to provide a safe atmosphere for learning and protects every student’s rights in the school environment. The American School Counselor Association, an organization that supports and provides resources to school counselors, suggests that the ratio of school counselor to students does not exceed 1:250.
How to Become a School Counselor
School counselors are professional, licensed educators who have at least earned a master’s degree. Their bachelor’s degree may be in education, sociology or psychology. Each state has its own requirements in educational standards, but most require advanced degree programs that include: sociology, individual and group counseling, testing and evaluation, human development, career development, and a supervised practicum and internship. Many have their master’s degree in educational psychology or child psychology, and must complete required supervised counseling internships. Many school counselors start out as teachers and take advanced courses to become certified as a counselor; others start their training for counseling when they enter college. One very popular choice among busy adults with job and family obligations is a good online certification program.
There are many advantages of attending an online program to become a school counselor:
- You are not tied down to attend classes at certain times. The flexible schedule built into online courses allows you to finish your degree at times that fits your schedule.
- Commute time to and from classes is eliminated.
- You have contact with the instructor and other students taking the course through online forums. You are not isolated from the others taking the class.
- You can order your books and other materials online and have them shipped to your door.
- Many online colleges and universities now offer financial aid for online courses. Another benefit of obtaining an online degree in counseling is that your instructor is never farther away than an email or phone call. You can research the many online colleges and universities that offer what you need to become a counselor.
Earnings as a School Counselor
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition reports that the median wage earned by school counselors is $51,050. Wages earned by the middle 50 percent were $38,740 to $65,360. School counselors in the lowest 10% earned $29,360 or less and the highest 10% earned $82,330 or more.
Many professionals can work during summer break and continue to work in the school system.
Government estimates for the growth of employment for counselors is 14% which is considered faster than average. Future counselors are becoming more involved in helping students deal with learning disabilities, substance abuse, death, suicide, and family crisis situations.
Becoming a school counselor can be a demanding—but highly rewarding career. You are able to make a real, and potentially profound positive difference in a young person’s life. In addition, this is a field that is growing in demand, salary and respect.