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The Role of the Professional School Counselor

The professional school counselor is a certified/licensed educator trained in school counseling with unique qualifications and skills to address all students' academic, personal/social, and career development needs. Professional school counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student achievement. Professional school counselors are employed in elementary, middle/junior high, and high schools and in-district supervisory, counselor education, and post-secondary settings. Their work is differentiated by attention to developmental stages of student growth, including the needs, tasks, and student interests related to those stages.

Professional school counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student achievement. Incorporating leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, professional school counselors promote equity and access to opportunities and rigorous educational experiences for all students. Professional school counselors support a safe learning environment and work to safeguard the human rights of all members of the school community. Collaborating with other stakeholders to promote student achievement, professional school counselors address the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs that are a part of a comprehensive school counseling program.

Why High School Counselors?

High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment, and hope. It is the time when students begin to discover what the future holds for them. Secondary school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals, and realize the full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. The professional high school counselor holds a master's degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with educational reform and challenges facing today's students.

What do counselors do all day?

Counselors work in three core areas: academic planning, career planning, and social & personal issues. 

 Below are just a few examples of how counselors work in these areas:

• Individual student academic program planning & advising (Ex. - Working with students on their class schedule)

• Supporting and guiding students with college and career planning

• Assist in interpreting cognitive, aptitude, and achievement tests (Ex. - Explaining PSAT results)

• Collaborate with teachers, and administrators to help support students

• Providing support and short term, solution-focused counseling to students have been identified with disciplinary, attendance, social/emotional concerns

• Analyze grade-point averages in relationship to achievement (Ex. - College recommendation letters)

• Assist with student records (Ex. - Helping special education teachers plan for students with special needs to support IEPs)

• Consulting with teachers to schedule and present school counseling curriculum lessons based on developmental needs and needs identified through data

• Ensure student records are maintained as per state and federal regulations

• Assist the school administration and support staff with identifying and resolving student issues, needs and problems

• Work with students to provide small and large group counseling services (Ex. - Registering for next year's classes)

• Advocate for students at individualized education plan (IEP/504) meetings and student study teams

• Click here for more details on our role in the schools, ISCA Site & ASCA Site