High School
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. High school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. High school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. High school counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize their full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.
High school counselors hold 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. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.
High School FAQ's
What is a High School Counselor?
A High School Counselor is an educator who specializes in working with students academically, socially/emotionally and through career exploration. High School Counselors utilize a multitude of strategies and resources to assist with different issues.
How do High School Counselors help students?
Whether it’s a problem at school, home, friends, college/career guidance or a personal issue that students are dealing with, high school counselors are here to help. Whatever the problem is, it’s probably starting to interfere with school. School Counselors are trained to help students work through problems in order to help students achieve their fullest potential. High School Counselors work together to try to find solutions and to develop skills that can prevent other problems in the future. Counselors also help students with academic coursework, college exploration, and post-secondary planning.
Do High School Counselors talk to teachers and parents, too?
In addition to working with students, High School Counselors also work to help parents and teachers solve problems as well. For example, counselors may suggest outside resources to support any concerns outside of the school. High School Counselors also work with teachers to set up behavior plans for students who are having trouble in class, or work with them to brainstorm different strategies to help a student improve their academic grade.
How can a High School Counselor support students with personal issues?
Students can seek one-on-one help from their High School Counselor to discuss personal issues such as bullying, stressors, or seek crisis counseling. School counselors are there to help students with academic and career development as well as social and emotional issues. While school counselors work with students on issues related to stress and anxiety, they are not mental health professionals. High school counselors do not provide long-term therapy. For issues beyond their expertise, high school counselors make referrals to outside agencies. The referral may be to a mental health practitioner on site or a community agency, depending on a student's needs and a school's resources.
How can High School Counselors provide academic, career and college support?
High School Counselors will work with students from their freshman through senior year. As students progress through high school, counselors work with them on matters such as scheduling, transcripts and college applications. High School Counselors also extend to helping with the college search, discussing financial aid and writing letters of recommendation.
What does confidentiality with the school counselor mean?
Click HERE for the NC General Statute about confidentiality with school counselors.
What is the best way to reach out to a school counselor?
You can start by visiting your school’s website and reviewing the staff list to locate your school counselor’s email address and/or student services website. You can also call your school’s front office staff to be connected with a school counselor