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Pathway: Counseling
Job: School Counselor
Job Description
School counselors help students evaluate their abilities, interests, talents, and personality characteristics in order to develop realistic academic and career goals. They help students understand and deal with social, behavioral, and personal problems. Counselors work with students individually, with small groups, or with entire classes. They consult and work with parents, teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, school nurses and social workers.
Necessary Education
Varies; Master’s Degree in counseling, teaching experience, and a school counseling certificate may be required.
Helpful High School Courses
English, Psychology, Sociology, Child Development
Working Conditions:
- Most work the traditional 9- to 10-month school year, although increasing numbers are employed on 10 1/2 – or 11-month contracts
- Usually work the same hours that teachers do
- Usually have private offices, in order to provide confidential and frank discussions with students
- Dealing with problems on a daily basis can be stressful
Salary Range
- 2003, Delaware average annual salary
$47,890
- 2003, Delaware average hourly wage,
$23.02
Career Ladder Information
- All States require school counselors to hold State school counseling certification; however, certification requirements vary from State to State
- School counselors can move to larger schools; become directors or supervisors of counseling, guidance, or pupil personnel services; become counselor educators, counseling psychologists, or school administrators; or move into research, consulting, college teaching, or private or group practice
- Voluntary national certification is available through the National Board for Certified Counselors Inc. (NBCC); if earned, counselors in some states are exempted from taking a State certification exam. Continuing education credit is required to maintain active certification
Personal Qualities and Interests
You:
- Possess high physical and emotional energy
- Are able to work independently or as part of a team
- Are able to follow the code of ethics associated with respective certifications and licenses
- Have a strong interest in helping children and teenagers
- Are able to handle stressful situations
- Are able to inspire respect, trust and confidence
Did you know?
- About 50% of all counselors have a Master’s Degree
- School counselors are becoming more involved in crisis and preventive counseling, helping students deal with issues ranging from drug and alcohol abuse to death and suicide
Additional Information
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