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Unal
Student
Levittown, Pennsylvania
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How do I become a school counselor in NY ?
I will complete my masters in Trauma counseling this year and I my goal is to become a school counselor in NY. What are the requirements and the certification do I need for this ? #counselor #school-counselor #therapists #guidance-counselor #counseling
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
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California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Unal all states require a master’s degree in school counseling to become fully licensed as a school counselor. The program you select should be approved by your state’s board of education and may need to include specific courses and/or hold specific accreditations – be sure to check with your state’s board for detailed requirements. All master’s in school counseling programs also include a period of fieldwork, allowing students to gain real-life experience in the field. The typical steps to become a school counselor are:
√ Earn a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related subject.
√ Earn a master’s degree in school counseling with adequate coursework in school counseling to fulfill state requirements.
√ Complete a school counseling internship or qualifying clinical experience, depending on your state’s requirements.
√ Pass your state’s required exams for school counselors.
√ Apply for your school counselor’s license.
Some schools also prefer candidates to have a teaching certificate and a few years of teaching experience before becoming a school counselor. The rules for school counseling certification vary from state to state; you’ll need to check with New York’s state’s board of education to verify the requirements. School counselors play an important role in the lives of students at both public and private schools. Their primary objective is to help students in their school succeed and make positive decisions to support academic and personal development. To accomplish this, they will work closely with students, teachers, and school administrators. Counselors may work in elementary, middle, or high schools, helping students in a variety of ways. Counselors mainly work in an office setting, but they may also spend time in classrooms observing students and helping to identify and define needs. They are also required to guide troubled students and work with differently-abled students. Since school counseling requires working with students, parents, teachers, and administrators, people in this role should be excellent communicators. Counselors should be keen listeners, able to easily relate to people of different ages and backgrounds, and compassionate. Since school counselors will likely mentor students with emotional or behavioral issues, they should possess kindness and a natural ability to empathize. It is helpful if the prospective counselor has prior experience in counseling children, either through an internship or previous employment.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR SALARY & JOB OUTLOOK
The salary of a school counselor varies depending on such things as the level of the school (primary or secondary), whether the school is public or private, the school’s location, and the candidate’s education and experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for school counselors is expected to grow by 8%, which is faster than average for all occupations. The average High School Counselor salary in New York is $65,500 as of August 27, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $55,900 and $76,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Hope this was Helpful Unal
Explore available degree options. Many master’s degree programs in counseling are designed for students who are already certified as teachers or already possess a master’s degree in another discipline. Be sure to choose a degree program that provides the smoothest transition into certified school counseling.
Explore specialty certifications. The NBCC also offers three specialty certifications including one for school counselors. The National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential is available and helps identify counselors working in school settings who possess a master's degree and have passed the required examination.
√ Earn a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related subject.
√ Earn a master’s degree in school counseling with adequate coursework in school counseling to fulfill state requirements.
√ Complete a school counseling internship or qualifying clinical experience, depending on your state’s requirements.
√ Pass your state’s required exams for school counselors.
√ Apply for your school counselor’s license.
Some schools also prefer candidates to have a teaching certificate and a few years of teaching experience before becoming a school counselor. The rules for school counseling certification vary from state to state; you’ll need to check with New York’s state’s board of education to verify the requirements. School counselors play an important role in the lives of students at both public and private schools. Their primary objective is to help students in their school succeed and make positive decisions to support academic and personal development. To accomplish this, they will work closely with students, teachers, and school administrators. Counselors may work in elementary, middle, or high schools, helping students in a variety of ways. Counselors mainly work in an office setting, but they may also spend time in classrooms observing students and helping to identify and define needs. They are also required to guide troubled students and work with differently-abled students. Since school counseling requires working with students, parents, teachers, and administrators, people in this role should be excellent communicators. Counselors should be keen listeners, able to easily relate to people of different ages and backgrounds, and compassionate. Since school counselors will likely mentor students with emotional or behavioral issues, they should possess kindness and a natural ability to empathize. It is helpful if the prospective counselor has prior experience in counseling children, either through an internship or previous employment.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR SALARY & JOB OUTLOOK
The salary of a school counselor varies depending on such things as the level of the school (primary or secondary), whether the school is public or private, the school’s location, and the candidate’s education and experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for school counselors is expected to grow by 8%, which is faster than average for all occupations. The average High School Counselor salary in New York is $65,500 as of August 27, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $55,900 and $76,000. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Hope this was Helpful Unal
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for all of the insight and useful information.
Kelsee Ryals
Assistant to a family Dr
2
Answers
Elberta, Alabama
Updated
Kelsee’s Answer
After getting your masters you should be qualified. Google and research what NY requires you to have to actually work at the schools. Good luck applying and congratulations!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6193
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Unal!
Here's your guide on how to become a School Counselor in New York:
To kick-start your journey into becoming a school counselor in New York, you'll need to follow several steps, including meeting educational requirements, earning certification, and accumulating relevant experience. Here's a detailed roadmap to help you through this journey.
1. Meeting Educational Requirements
Your first step is to fulfill the necessary educational qualifications. You'll need to earn a master’s degree in counseling or a similar field. As you're pursuing your master’s in Trauma Counseling, make sure your program includes classes important for school counseling, like developmental psychology, counseling techniques, and ethics.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires specific coursework for school counselors, which usually includes:
- Foundations of counseling
- Human development
- Group dynamics
- Career development
- Assessment techniques
- Counseling theories and practices
2. Accumulating Relevant Experience
Most graduate programs require students to complete an internship or practicum in a school setting. This is a vital step as it allows you to apply what you've learned in a real-world environment and develop practical skills.
After your degree, you might need additional supervised experience working with students in educational settings. This requirement can often be fulfilled through your internship.
3. Earning Certification
After your education and experience, the next milestone is certification. You'll need to apply for the Initial Certificate as a School Counselor through the NYSED. This process usually involves providing proof of your education and any necessary documentation from your internship or supervised experience.
You may also need to pass specific exams as part of the certification process. In New York, these usually include:
- The Educating All Students Test (EAS)
- Content Specialty Test (CST) for School Counselors
Remember, all prospective educators in New York must undergo fingerprinting and background checks for certification.
4. Continuing Education
Once you've earned your Initial Certificate, your next goal is to obtain a Professional Certificate. This requires additional professional development hours and more experience as a school counselor over a specific period (typically three years).
5. Other Important Factors
Consider joining professional organizations like the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) or the New York State School Counselor Association (NYSCA). These can offer valuable networking opportunities and resources for ongoing professional development.
Also, stay informed about any changes in state regulations regarding school counseling certifications. You can do this by regularly checking the NYSED website or other reliable sources.
By diligently following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to become a certified school counselor in New York.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources I used:
- New York State Education Department (NYSED): For official guidelines on certification requirements for educators.
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA): For resources on best practices and standards for school counselors.
- New York State School Counselor Association (NYSCA): A professional organization that supports school counselors through advocacy and professional development resources.
Best of luck on your journey,
JC.
Here's your guide on how to become a School Counselor in New York:
To kick-start your journey into becoming a school counselor in New York, you'll need to follow several steps, including meeting educational requirements, earning certification, and accumulating relevant experience. Here's a detailed roadmap to help you through this journey.
1. Meeting Educational Requirements
Your first step is to fulfill the necessary educational qualifications. You'll need to earn a master’s degree in counseling or a similar field. As you're pursuing your master’s in Trauma Counseling, make sure your program includes classes important for school counseling, like developmental psychology, counseling techniques, and ethics.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires specific coursework for school counselors, which usually includes:
- Foundations of counseling
- Human development
- Group dynamics
- Career development
- Assessment techniques
- Counseling theories and practices
2. Accumulating Relevant Experience
Most graduate programs require students to complete an internship or practicum in a school setting. This is a vital step as it allows you to apply what you've learned in a real-world environment and develop practical skills.
After your degree, you might need additional supervised experience working with students in educational settings. This requirement can often be fulfilled through your internship.
3. Earning Certification
After your education and experience, the next milestone is certification. You'll need to apply for the Initial Certificate as a School Counselor through the NYSED. This process usually involves providing proof of your education and any necessary documentation from your internship or supervised experience.
You may also need to pass specific exams as part of the certification process. In New York, these usually include:
- The Educating All Students Test (EAS)
- Content Specialty Test (CST) for School Counselors
Remember, all prospective educators in New York must undergo fingerprinting and background checks for certification.
4. Continuing Education
Once you've earned your Initial Certificate, your next goal is to obtain a Professional Certificate. This requires additional professional development hours and more experience as a school counselor over a specific period (typically three years).
5. Other Important Factors
Consider joining professional organizations like the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) or the New York State School Counselor Association (NYSCA). These can offer valuable networking opportunities and resources for ongoing professional development.
Also, stay informed about any changes in state regulations regarding school counseling certifications. You can do this by regularly checking the NYSED website or other reliable sources.
By diligently following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to become a certified school counselor in New York.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources I used:
- New York State Education Department (NYSED): For official guidelines on certification requirements for educators.
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA): For resources on best practices and standards for school counselors.
- New York State School Counselor Association (NYSCA): A professional organization that supports school counselors through advocacy and professional development resources.
Best of luck on your journey,
JC.
Gail Carver
School Psychologist/Teacher
6
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Gail’s Answer
Hi Unal!
Congrats on seeking your Master’s Degree. If you want to be a high school counselor, you will need some additional course work in special education, learning disabilities, and family counseling. If you want to pursue a career to become a School Psychologist,
you will need to take more coursework in a School Psychology program. School Psychologists do counseling and also clinical testing for learning disabilities and social-emotional issues.
Gail. CaringisGiving
Congrats on seeking your Master’s Degree. If you want to be a high school counselor, you will need some additional course work in special education, learning disabilities, and family counseling. If you want to pursue a career to become a School Psychologist,
you will need to take more coursework in a School Psychology program. School Psychologists do counseling and also clinical testing for learning disabilities and social-emotional issues.
Gail. CaringisGiving