School Counseling Internships
In CMS, we use the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) National Model as a frame work for our school counseling programs. We also align our programs to the district's mission, state vision and school counseling evaluation tool. 21st century school counselors implement a data driven, comprehensive, developmental school counseling program to promote systemic change. We believe that professional school counselors serve a necessary role in maximizing student success.
Partnering Universities
CMS only offers school counseling internship opportunities for universities in which we have an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Our geographic region is rich in school counseling programs and we are dedicated to serving our current partners at this time. If you do not see your university listed below, we encourage you to reach out to surrounding counties to inquire about available internship opportunities.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
North Carolina State University
North Carolina A&T State University
Liberty University
Wake Forest University
Appalachian State University
Winthrop University
Lenoir Rhyne University
Partnering Considerations
Are you a university interested in partnering with CMS for school counseling internships? Be sure to complete the form below.
Please note that you will receive a response within 30 days. New university partnerships are considered annually. Thank you for your interest in CMS.
Memorandum of Understanding
All university partners are required to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CMS prior to student internship placements. This is a legal document between both parties. The expectation is that this agreement is followed as outlined.
All student placements are handled directly by the university adviser and CMS. We ask that universities correspond directly with students regarding placement. The adviser is responsible for completing the the placement request for students in their program seeking placement in CMS. Students interested in placement in CMS are asked not to contact school counselors or principals to request placement, likewise CMS school counselors are not to contact the university to request intern students.
In order for this to be a mutually rewarding experience for the student and CMS, the proceeding guidelines must be followed.
Role of the Site Supervisor
The role of the CMS School Counseling Site Supervisor is complex and encompasses many dimensions as the supervisor seeks to enrich and guide the intern in exemplary best practices in the field of school counseling. As a site supervisor, you serve as leaders, teachers and mentors. Our expectation is that you take your role seriously and display the utmost ethical responsibility at all times. Site supervisors are responsible for holding the interns accountable for their delivery of services, as well as ensure they are providing adequate documentation of services.
In order to serve as site supervisor, the following conditions must be met:
Supervising counselor must be a licensed school counselor currently employed by CMS as a school counselor.
Supervising counselor must have at least 3 years of school counseling experience.
Supervising counselor must be in good standing with CMS with no performance concerns (i.e., not currently on an Action Plan, or display any disciplinary concerns).
Supervising counselor must provide weekly face to face feedback for interns.
The building principal must grant prior approval for hosting a counseling intern.
School must provide adequate and private space for counseling intern to work and meet with students confidentially.
Student Site Placement
Student placements are handled directly by the university adviser and CMS. Students are to correspond directly with their university advisers regarding placement request. The adviser is responsible for delivering student contact information, level preference and internship specification (i.e. Practicum, Internship I, Internship II, geographic preference, etc.) to the CMS school counseling internship coordinator. CMS asks that students do not to contact school counselors or principals to request placement.
Once you have received assignment details from your university, please complete all HR requirements and refer to the designated timeline to reach out to your site supervisor to schedule your orientation.
Your school counseling site supervisor will review Internship/Practicum items specific to CMS along with site expectations during your orientation.
Should you have any questions or concerns pertaining to your Internship/Practicum, please contact your university adviser first.
School Counseling Internship/Practicum Contact
​Tuere Dunton-Forbes
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
Office of Student Wellness & Academic Support
tuere.dunton@cms.k12.nc.us