What Do School Counselors Do?
The American School Counseling Association
The School Counselors' Role
School counselors are highly educated, professionally certified individuals who help students succeed in school and plan their career. An integral part of the total education system, school counselors help students form healthy goals, mindsets and behaviors. With the aid of a school counselor, students learn to develop effective collaboration and cooperation skills, to practice perseverance, to develop time management and study skills, and to learn self-motivation and self-direction habits.
Individual Counseling :
Individual counseling is provided for students in areas of personal or social needs, academic support, and career development. During individual counseling sessions the School Counselor can support or guide the student towards learning problem-solving, coping, and social skills.
Group Counseling :
School Counselors provide group counseling based on interest, needs, teacher or parent referral. Group counseling topics may include: peer mediation, relationships, and social/emotional development. Parent permission is required.
Classroom Lessons :
School Counselors provide classroom lessons to educate students based on the district curriculum. Classroom lessons focus on academic, social/emotional and career development.
Referrals :
Upon request, School Counselors make referrals to appropriate community agencies. These referral sources may include Mental Health agencies, The Department of Social Services, Mentoring Programs and other agencies as deemed appropriate.