Professional School Counseling in APS
It is our belief is that school counselors play a vital role in supporting the students of Aurora Public Schools with their academics, social/emotional, and career development needs. School counselors create opportunities to ensure equity for our diverse students by encouraging them to participate in educational opportunities, by connecting students with the appropriate support programs, providing guidance to students regarding post-secondary goals, and serving as an advocate for all students.
APS Counselors’ Unified Job Description
Our job is to accelerate learning for every APS student, everyday.
We do our job by creating a safe place for students to seek support, by providing individual, group and classroom guidance to all students in the academic, social/emotional and career domains to foster independence that will further their achievement in all areas.
Our community needs us to do our job.
Role of the School Counselor
From the American School Counseling Association website:
Parents, the press, administrators and the general public often wonder just what it is that school counselors do on a daily basis. Gone are the days of school counselors sitting in their office simply handing out college applications, making schedule changes for students who want to drop a class or meeting with the troublemakers in the school. Today's school counselors are vital members of the education team. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. Learn more about the school counselor's role.
In APS, counselors have many jobs, including:
Help students explore career areas that interest them, and navigate their college and career options
Give individualized guidance to students as they develop study habits and 21st-century skills
Support students social and emotional well-being, with guidance through bullying, conflicts and other needs
Provide valuable support during the college application process, with everything from how to write a college essay to applying for financial assistance
Connect with students after graduation to ensure they are on track to enter the college and career path of their choice, such as an apprenticeship, college, trade school or military service
Work with other partners in students’ education — parents, teachers and other school staff — to help students succeed
Advise students on scheduling; assess student abilities and aid in appropriate course placement
Pinpoint growth opportunities, help students set goals and a plan to achieve
Improve the overall school environment to create a positive, enriched atmosphere that fosters a lifelong love of learning