The main purpose of school
guidance counseling is to help students maximize their full potential
in areas of academic accomplishments, aid in exploring different career
options, and counsel with them on dealing with behavioral and personal
problems.
To identify and prevent
drug and substance abuse among the student population, school
counselors often set up programs in dealing with these problems. A
school counselor might teach an individual student, a classroom, or a
group.
Elementary
School Counselor:
School guidance counseling in elementary schools serve as the
foundation for the students future success in the areas of academic and
social development. During the elementary years is when students are
beginning to develop both academically and personally. This is a
critical time in their lives. This is when school counselors can use
their training and experience to have an impact on these students.
School counselors inspire students to engage in learning and encourage
parents to become involved in their children's education with
activities designed to ease the transition from elementary to middle to
high school.
Middle School Counselor:
In middle school guidance
counseling, the school counselor typically is more engaged in
instructing individuals and small groups (for high school and beyond)
than a full classroom. This age group is faced with complex issues such
as bulling, peer pressure, depression, and academic challenges. Middle
school counselors must address these social and personal issues that
arise. Middle school counselors help students ease the stress of
choosing extracurricular activities and educational and career
decisions. As seventh and eighth grade students prepare for high
school, the school counselor will usually spend time with students on
vocational research and evaluation.
High School Counselor:
High school counselors aid in planning
and preparing students for the future, whether it be vocational
training, college, or employment/careers.
Each
state has its own certification and license requirements, but usually a
master's degree and a state license to practice is required to become a
school guidance counselor. A teaching certificate may be needed in some
states.
The
field of school guidance counseling should be above average for the
next several years as federal government and many state governments are
requiring more and more public elementary and high schools to keep full
time counseling staff.
If
you enjoy working with and being around children and teenagers, school
guidance counseling might be a career you should consider. While school
guidance counseling can be a different and draining experience at
times, and you never know what each new day will bring, it is a
rewarding career.
