School Counselor Salary and Job Description

School counselors play a pivotal role in the academic, emotional, and social development of students, guiding those who require additional support beyond their parents and teachers. Their work is essential to helping students navigate the challenges of school life, from academic pressures to personal issues and social relationships.

Here we’ll explore the multifaceted career of a school counselor, delving into their responsibilities and necessary skills. We’ll provide a step-by-step overview of how to become a school counselor, including relevant degree paths . Additionally, we’ll consider school counselor salary statistics and job outlook projections. 

Examining the Role of a School Counselor

School counselors are integral to the educational environment, providing support to students to ensure their overall well-being and success. They work with students from kindergarten through high school, helping them develop academic skills, plan for future careers, and manage personal and social challenges. 

School Counselor Job Duties and Responsibilities

A school counselor’s responsibilities and day-to-day tasks vary depending on their environment and the student body they oversee. However, most school counselors provide the crucial support below. 

Academic Support

School counselors help students with academic planning, including selecting courses, preparing for college, and setting academic goals. They work with students and collaborate with teachers to improve students’ study habits, organizational skills, and time management. 

Career Guidance

School counselors provide career counseling, helping students explore career interests, understand job markets, and plan for postsecondary education or vocational training. 

Personal and Social Development

The social dynamics of the academic environment can be difficult for students to navigate. School counselors offer support for personal issues, such as family problems, peer conflicts, and mental health concerns. They may also develop programs to promote social skills and emotional well-being. 

Crisis Intervention

Situations such as bullying, trauma, or family emergencies can bring tensions and emotions to an untenable level. School counselors provide immediate support and coordinate with other professionals to address these challenges in healthy ways. 

Collaborating With Educators and Parents

Academia is a collaborative effort; this is why school counselors work closely with teachers and parents to address students’ needs, develop intervention plans, and ensure a supportive learning environment.

Developing and Implementing Programs

School counselors create and implement programs that promote academic success, mental health awareness, and social skills development. Most programs follow the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Program Model, which outlines a four-part framework:  

• Define. Set and adhere to the appropriate standards.
• Manage. Correctly scope and manage the program.
• Deliver. Provide necessary direct and indirect services.
• Assess. Review programs to determine effectiveness and areas for improvement.

In-Demand Skills for School Counselors

Effective school counselors possess a set of skills and competencies that allow them to connect with students in meaningful ways, help them resolve problems, and maintain a supportive academic environment. The most in-demand school counselor skills include the following:

• Empathy and Compassion: The ability to understand and relate to students’ emotions and experiences is crucial in providing effective support.

• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential for interacting with students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

• Problem-Solving Skills: School counselors must be adept at identifying issues and developing practical solutions to support students.

• Organizational Skills: Managing multiple cases, coordinating with various parties, and implementing programs require strong organizational abilities.

• Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds and experiences is crucial to providing inclusive support.

• Confidentiality and Ethical Standards: Maintaining students’ privacy and adhering to ethical guidelines are critical aspects of counseling. 

How to Become a School Counselor

Becoming a school counselor entails achieving certain educational benchmarks; gaining relevant experience; obtaining licensure; and, in some cases, earning professional certifications. Also worth mentioning is that education and credentials directly influence a school counselor’s salary. With that in mind, the steps below provide a career outline for becoming a school counselor. 

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step toward a career as a school counselor is earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology , education, social work, or a related field. A strong foundation in human development, educational psychology, or social sciences is invaluable for aspiring school counselors. 

Step 2: Complete an Internship

While pursuing your Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, an internship in your local school district can provide hands-on experience in a live environment and make you more marketable to future employers. 

Step 3: Obtain a Master’s Degree in School Counseling

A master’s degree in school counseling or a closely related field is required to work in academic environments. Graduate programs provide comprehensive training in counseling techniques, student development, ethical practices, and educational systems. 

Step 4: Take the Praxis Exam

The Praxis exam evaluates the skills, knowledge, and core competencies of those who seek to enter education as teachers or school counselors. Passing the Praxis exam is required for licensure in roughly half the states in the United States, including North Carolina.

Step 5: Obtain State Licensure

After completing your degree program and satisfying all requirements, you may apply for state licensure. School counselor licensure requirements vary by state and can be found on the website of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA).

Step 6: Pursue Additional Certifications

Although optional, professional certifications can enhance candidates’ marketability to potential employers. For example, the ASCA-Certified School Counselor (ACSC) credential issued by ASCA demonstrates to employers that candidates have tested and verified their skills. Professional certifications can also positively influence a school counselor’s salary. 

Step 7: Gain Work Experience, and Continue Professional Development

Gaining experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level counseling roles can help build skills and establish credibility. Continuous professional development is crucial for staying current with best practices and advancements in the field. 

School Counselor Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for school counselors was $61,710 in 2023, with those in the top 10th percentile earning over $100,050. Education level , experience, region, professional certifications, and other factors can all directly influence a school counselor’s salary.

The BLS projects that positions for school counselors will increase by 5% between 2022 and 2032; faster than the predicted growth of 3% for all occupations combined. 

Make a Difference as a School Counselor

A career as a school counselor can be both rewarding and impactful, offering the opportunity to make a real difference in students’ lives. From providing academic and career guidance to supporting personal development and well-being, school counselors play a vital role in the educational system. With a promising job outlook and a range of opportunities for professional growth, becoming a school counselor offers a fulfilling pathway for those dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential.

The first step to a career as a school counselor is choosing the right degree program. The online BA in Psychology at East Carolina University®️ covers material that’ll prove to be essential to your understanding of a diverse student body, their motivations, and social dynamics. Coursework includes research methods in psychology, cognitive psychology, learning theories and applications, social psychology, and a capstone course covering advanced general psychology.

Find out how ECU can support your professional aspirations of becoming a school counselor.

Recommended Readings

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Training and Development Specialist Career Overview

HR Specialist: Salary and Job Description

Sources:

American School Counselor Association, ASCA-Certified School Counselor

American School Counselor Association, The School Counselor and School Counseling Programs

American School Counselor Association, State/Territory Certification Requirements

American School Counselor Association, The Role of the School Counselor

Indeed, “How to Become a School Counselor (With Duties and Salary)”

Praxis, Overview of North Carolina Testing Requirements

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors and Advisors