What does a school counselor do?

School counselors collaborate with students, families, community members, and school personnel to assure that all students realize and integrate academic, career and personal/social potential in order to develop and achieve an individualized vision of success.

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• Collaborate - school counselors collaborate with students, families, school staff and community partners to help schools achieve their mission and students reach their goals.

• Academic support – school counselors help students with topics such as academic organization, course planning, study skills and post-secondary preparation.

• College and career planning – school counselors help students identify possible career paths through interest inventories, personality type assessments and learning style tests. Counselors help students understand the connections between their academic learning, post-secondary education and training, and their career goals.

• Personal/social support – school counselors help students with issues such as bully prevention, anger management, problem solving and cooperation. Counselors work with families to find students additional support if needed.

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What services do we provide:

• Classroom and small group lessons on a variety of topics

• Individual academic support and counseling

• Short-term individual counseling

• Consultation with parents and teachers

• Parent and guardian workshops (FAFSA night, CCP night)

• College/career support

• Community resource referrals (including longer term therapy services)

• Schoolwide programming (Kindness Week, College Week, etc.)

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What types of things do we talk about with students in counseling or class lessons:

• Setting goals

• Scheduling, credit checks, school attendance

• College/career opportunities

• Making good choices and being responsible

• Building confidence and reaching one’s potential

• Managing strong feelings

• Conflict resolution

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) model