5 answers
Hydeia
Student
Newark, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
1374 views
School Counselor 101
I am interested in getting advice on how to become a school counselor. I am interested in behavioral health and social emotional learning for students.
5 answers
Molly Sly
Talent Acquisition Manager
31
Answers
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hi Hydeia,
I checked with a friend of mine who is a school counselor (in Massachusetts) and this is what she told me. I'm not sure if this is exactly what you were asking but I hope this information is helpful. Here Bachelors was in recreation and sports management. To be licensed as a school counselor she thinks every state you have to have a masters degree school counseling and then whatever additional credentials to your state department of education sets forward.
She said that states can have their own licensing guidelines for school counselors but there is a national organization that provides recommendations it is a ASCA - American school counselor Association…. And then each state should have their own smaller state agency like in Massachusetts it’s MASCA, and that organization works with our department of education on school licensure guidelines.
Her best advice is that the bachelors degree and the field does not necessarily matter but if you know your long-term goal is to get into a Masters program you would want to make sure that you are getting in the prerequisites so a related field could be helpful like psychology. And then complete the masters program which similar to student teaching would involve internship hours in Massachusetts it is a full year 650 hour unpaid internship.
I hope this helps you and I wish you the best!
Molly
I checked with a friend of mine who is a school counselor (in Massachusetts) and this is what she told me. I'm not sure if this is exactly what you were asking but I hope this information is helpful. Here Bachelors was in recreation and sports management. To be licensed as a school counselor she thinks every state you have to have a masters degree school counseling and then whatever additional credentials to your state department of education sets forward.
She said that states can have their own licensing guidelines for school counselors but there is a national organization that provides recommendations it is a ASCA - American school counselor Association…. And then each state should have their own smaller state agency like in Massachusetts it’s MASCA, and that organization works with our department of education on school licensure guidelines.
Her best advice is that the bachelors degree and the field does not necessarily matter but if you know your long-term goal is to get into a Masters program you would want to make sure that you are getting in the prerequisites so a related field could be helpful like psychology. And then complete the masters program which similar to student teaching would involve internship hours in Massachusetts it is a full year 650 hour unpaid internship.
I hope this helps you and I wish you the best!
Molly
Clint Nagel
Counselor
32
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Clint’s Answer
Hi Hydeia,
Great to hear, and it is always beneficial to know and understand what you are interested in. My first question and/or advice would be to solidify exactly why you want to be a school counselor with consideration for what it would provide for you regarding time commitments, money/lifestyle, as well as the personal values you believe in and/or desire to grow/develop. I would also ask for some input from your counselor regarding your skill sets and accomplishments, and how they view it being of most value/use towards your goals. It appears that you are have an interest in Behavioral Health & Social Emotional development, and I would ask what's the reason for such interest simply to complete clarify your reasoning and guarantee the time you invest in these areas offers the return you desire.
Behavioral Health & S/E Development have different professions & industries that can come from this interest, and I would consider if School Counseling is the profession you truly desire. School Counselors/Guidance Counselors all possess a Masters Degree typically or more appropriately in School Counseling. As a result, your Masters Degree & time committed to it would be primarily committed to that profession/job. Once you obtain your Masters in School Counseling, you could further your studies to become a license professional counselor. Essentially, I am stating that I would strongly evaluate & consider your reasoning for possessing an interest in Behavioral Health & S/E Development and having it progress towards becoming a school counselor.
That being said, I am a huge advocate & fan of the profession and believe it is an amazing career path and one that I do advocate for. I believe it is rewarding in many different ways, and consider myself fortunate to have worked in the profession. As a result, gain as much of an understanding about the school counseling profession, what a passion for B.H. & S.E. can lead to regarding careers, & what are the requirements for successful individuals in those professions? I hope this helps & thanks again!
Clint
Great to hear, and it is always beneficial to know and understand what you are interested in. My first question and/or advice would be to solidify exactly why you want to be a school counselor with consideration for what it would provide for you regarding time commitments, money/lifestyle, as well as the personal values you believe in and/or desire to grow/develop. I would also ask for some input from your counselor regarding your skill sets and accomplishments, and how they view it being of most value/use towards your goals. It appears that you are have an interest in Behavioral Health & Social Emotional development, and I would ask what's the reason for such interest simply to complete clarify your reasoning and guarantee the time you invest in these areas offers the return you desire.
Behavioral Health & S/E Development have different professions & industries that can come from this interest, and I would consider if School Counseling is the profession you truly desire. School Counselors/Guidance Counselors all possess a Masters Degree typically or more appropriately in School Counseling. As a result, your Masters Degree & time committed to it would be primarily committed to that profession/job. Once you obtain your Masters in School Counseling, you could further your studies to become a license professional counselor. Essentially, I am stating that I would strongly evaluate & consider your reasoning for possessing an interest in Behavioral Health & S/E Development and having it progress towards becoming a school counselor.
That being said, I am a huge advocate & fan of the profession and believe it is an amazing career path and one that I do advocate for. I believe it is rewarding in many different ways, and consider myself fortunate to have worked in the profession. As a result, gain as much of an understanding about the school counseling profession, what a passion for B.H. & S.E. can lead to regarding careers, & what are the requirements for successful individuals in those professions? I hope this helps & thanks again!
Clint
Awaritoma Chigbufue
Organising Training program and event management. Virtual assistant and Freelancer
1
Answer
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Awaritoma’s Answer
Hi Hydeia,
Becoming a school counsellor has wonderful opportunities and great rewards. School counselors across the country are enjoying the perks associated with being an integral part of our education’s future. Sooner than later school counselors will play a more pivotal role in the creation of curriculum, the design of educational programs and the continuing education of teacher and other professional staff.
To become a school counsellor, most states require you to earn an advanced degree in school counseling or a related field before you are eligible to apply for certification.
In addition, if you have not completed your undergraduate degree, you will want to first earn your bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field.
If you have already completed your undergraduate education, you will need to earn your Master’s degree in school counseling (or in some states, you can simply have a Master’s degree in a related field)
Becoming a school counselor is a process every individual can benefit from regardless of profession. The skills acquired as an individual becomes trained in the school or guidance counseling profession are a mental tool shed of powerful, motivating concepts.
From human growth and development theories to implementation and analysis of theories in the development of curriculum, school counselors can immerse themselves in student psychology and witness the effectiveness of new learning solutions in action.
You have taken the first step toward becoming a school counselor, so don’t stop now! Contact schools with school counseling programs and speak with representatives who can give you more information. It is also encouraged to speak with school counselors in your area by contacting local school districts.
I wish you good luck in your future quest on becoming a school counsellor.
Becoming a school counsellor has wonderful opportunities and great rewards. School counselors across the country are enjoying the perks associated with being an integral part of our education’s future. Sooner than later school counselors will play a more pivotal role in the creation of curriculum, the design of educational programs and the continuing education of teacher and other professional staff.
To become a school counsellor, most states require you to earn an advanced degree in school counseling or a related field before you are eligible to apply for certification.
In addition, if you have not completed your undergraduate degree, you will want to first earn your bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field.
If you have already completed your undergraduate education, you will need to earn your Master’s degree in school counseling (or in some states, you can simply have a Master’s degree in a related field)
Becoming a school counselor is a process every individual can benefit from regardless of profession. The skills acquired as an individual becomes trained in the school or guidance counseling profession are a mental tool shed of powerful, motivating concepts.
From human growth and development theories to implementation and analysis of theories in the development of curriculum, school counselors can immerse themselves in student psychology and witness the effectiveness of new learning solutions in action.
You have taken the first step toward becoming a school counselor, so don’t stop now! Contact schools with school counseling programs and speak with representatives who can give you more information. It is also encouraged to speak with school counselors in your area by contacting local school districts.
I wish you good luck in your future quest on becoming a school counsellor.
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Hydeia:
School Counselors help students develop academic and social skills and plans for after graduation. Career counselors and advisors help students and other clients develop skills, explore an occupation, or choose an educational program that will lead to a career.
■ HOW TO BECOME A SCHOOL COUNSELOR ■
School Counselors typically must have a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field and have a state-issued credential. Some states require licensure for career counselors and advisors.
Nearly all states and the District of Columbia require school counselors to have a master's degree, which is typically in a field such as counseling or psychology. Degree programs teach counselors the essential skills of the job, such as how to foster development; conduct group and individual counseling; work with support systems, such as parents, school staff, and community organizations; and use data to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive counseling programs. These programs often require counselors to complete an internship.
Some employers prefer that career counselors have a master’s degree in counseling with a focus on career development. Career counseling programs prepare students to assess clients’ skills and interests and to teach career development techniques. For career or academic advisors, employers may prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree and work experience.
Master’s degree programs in counseling usually require students to have a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.
Best of luck to you as you continue your research!
How to Become a School Counselor • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm#tab-4
School Counselors help students develop academic and social skills and plans for after graduation. Career counselors and advisors help students and other clients develop skills, explore an occupation, or choose an educational program that will lead to a career.
■ HOW TO BECOME A SCHOOL COUNSELOR ■
School Counselors typically must have a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field and have a state-issued credential. Some states require licensure for career counselors and advisors.
Nearly all states and the District of Columbia require school counselors to have a master's degree, which is typically in a field such as counseling or psychology. Degree programs teach counselors the essential skills of the job, such as how to foster development; conduct group and individual counseling; work with support systems, such as parents, school staff, and community organizations; and use data to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive counseling programs. These programs often require counselors to complete an internship.
Some employers prefer that career counselors have a master’s degree in counseling with a focus on career development. Career counseling programs prepare students to assess clients’ skills and interests and to teach career development techniques. For career or academic advisors, employers may prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree and work experience.
Master’s degree programs in counseling usually require students to have a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.
Best of luck to you as you continue your research!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Julie McDougal
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Women's Leader
5
Answers
Des Moines, Iowa
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Being a school counselor requires an education degree and a counseling degree. Before choosing this, I would sit down with your own school counselor and talk about the job with her/him - joys, demands, schools to attend. You have a great opportunity and responsibility with this job - guiding students as they take important steps in their lives toward the future.
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