Understand the expertise and responsibilities of your child’s school counselor. School counselors make a measurable impact in every student’s life, assisting with academic, career and personal/social development. Professional school counselors are trained in both educating and counseling, allowing them to function as a facilitator between parents, teachers and the student in matters concerning the student’s goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. School counselors provide services not only to students in need, but to all students. (ASCA, 2017)
Examples of what school counselors do:
Teach social-emotional lessons
Teach career and college readiness lessons
Lead small groups
Check in one-on-one with students
Support mediations and restorative justice circles
Collaborate with teachers and families
Aid in accessing mental health resources
Advocate for racial, gender, and ability equity
Manage 504 plans
Support school transitions
Conversations between counselor and student are confidential, however there are limits to confidentially. When a student has indicated they are being hurt, hurting someone else or thinking/hurting themselves confidential may be broken.