What Does a School Counselor Do?
School counselors help students develop academic, career, and social-emotional skills through individual counseling, group sessions, and classroom guidance. They support student well-being, address behavioral concerns, and assist with college and career planning. School counselors work at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
School Counselor Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a school counselor include:
- Provide individual and group counseling to students dealing with academic, social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
- Develop and deliver classroom guidance lessons on topics such as conflict resolution, study skills, and anti-bullying.
- Assist high school students with college planning, financial aid applications, and career exploration.
- Administer and interpret academic assessments to identify student strengths and areas for improvement.
- Create and implement a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with ASCA national standards.
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to develop support plans for struggling students.
- Identify students at risk of academic failure, dropout, or self-harm and coordinate appropriate interventions.
- Facilitate crisis response services and serve on the school crisis intervention team.
- Maintain confidential student records and document counseling sessions and referrals.
- Connect students and families with community resources such as mental health services and social services agencies.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a school counselor, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Individual and group counseling
- Academic and career advising
- Crisis intervention and assessment
- Social-emotional learning facilitation
- Data analysis for program improvement
- Cultural competence and sensitivity
- Collaboration with stakeholders
- Confidentiality and ethical practice
Education and Training
School counselors must earn a master degree in school counseling from a program accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or a similar accrediting body. Programs typically require 48 to 60 credit hours of coursework including practicum and internship experiences in school settings. All states require licensure or certification, which involves completing an approved program and passing a state exam such as the Praxis School Counseling exam. Some states require prior teaching experience, though this requirement is becoming less common.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $50,000 - $80,000 per year
The demand for school counselors is projected to grow 5% over the next decade, driven by increasing recognition of the importance of student mental health and social-emotional well-being. Many states are working to reduce student-to-counselor ratios to meet the recommended ASCA ratio of 250 to 1. Counselors with training in trauma-informed practices, crisis intervention, and culturally responsive counseling will be most sought after.