Role of a School Counselor

The essential role of middle school counselors is to provide comfort, understanding and approval. Identifying students’ academic and social/emotional needs, as well as providing any necessary interventions, is essential in removing barriers to learning and helping students develop skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement. The knowledge, attitudes and skills students acquire during these years build the foundation for future success. 

Middle School Counselors Implement the School Counseling Program by Providing:

School Guidance Curriculum

• Academic skills support

• Organizational, study and test-taking skills

• Education in understanding self and others

• Coping strategies

• Peer relationships and effective social skills

• Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution

• Career awareness, exploration and planning

• Multicultural/diversity awareness

Individual Student Planning

• Goal-setting/decision- making

• Academic planning

• Career planning

• Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses

• Transition planning

Responsive Services

• Individual and small group counseling

• Individual/family/school crisis intervention

• Peer facilitation

• Consultation/collaboration

• Referrals

System Support

• Professional development

• Consultation, collaboration and teaming

• Program management and operation

*Excerpt from the American School Counselor's Association (ASCA) 2022