What is the role of the Elementary School Counselor?

The role of the Elementary School Counselor is to help all students develop healthy strategies to cope with any obstacles and difficulties they may face so that every child can be a successful learner. A child may want to talk with their school counselor for various reasons, including, but not limited to, problems with academics, study skills, peer relations, grief and loss, school attendance, friendship difficulties, or other concerns. A parent may also want the school counselor to talk with their child. Parents are encouraged to contact the School Counselor with any questions or share a concern and make an online referral. Personal and or school-related matters can impact a child's ability to focus and learn. The School counselor's office is a safe and confidential environment for all students, where they can express their feelings and concerns to facilitate their personal, social, and academic success.

What are School Counselor's qualifications, and why not call them Guidance Counselors?

All elementary school counselors must have three things:

1. Hold a bachelor's degree in a related field

2. A master's degree in counseling

3. Be certified

They are dedicated professionals geared towards helping their students meet their academic, career, and social/emotional needs and goals. "In 1990, ASCA issued an official statement calling on the profession to change the title to "school counselor" rather than the previous title of "guidance counselor." Why the title change? The title "guidance counselor" no longer encompassed the school professionals' broad scope of work."--American School Counseling Association. Read more about this HERE