Elementary school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self- management and social skills , who understand and promote success for to- day’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important devel- opmental period.
What makes a good elementary school counselor?
It takes a combination of many leadership traits to make a school counselor effective. They must use listening skills and offer empathy in order to build relationships . A counselor must also perform assessments and coordinate activities and educational efforts.
What is the main role of a school counselor?
The role of the counselor is to guide, advise, recommend, consult, and assist with the nearly limitless variety of concerns that students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the school community may have. School counselors are vital members of the education team.
What is a typical day for a school counselor?
School counselors may spend a considerable part of each day counseling individual students. They may meet with students regarding academic problems or successes. They may check in with students in order to check learning objectives or grades.
What’s the difference between a school counselor and a guidance counselor?
However, a school counselor’s responsibilities focus primarily on the academic side of the school experience. A guidance counselor can help with academics , but their work also deals with the personal and social aspects of middle and high school life. ... Guidance counselors don’t always have to work in a school.
Are school counselors mental health professionals?
Counseling is designed to facilitate student achievement, improve student behavior and attendance, and help students develop socially. Mental health professionals with master’s degrees or beyond, school counselors both provide counseling and serve an educational role in and around schools.
What are the qualities of good counselor?
- Communication skills. Communication skills will play a key role in your relationship with your clients. ...
- Patience. Patience will become a critical trait as a counselor. ...
- Confidence. ...
- Non-judgmental. ...
- Observant. ...
- Listening Skills. ...
- Trust. ...
- Respectful.
What skills do you need to be a school counselor?
- Be a good listener. The first thing that comes to mind is that school counselors must be able to listen. ...
- Be able to assess. ...
- Be an excellent communicator. ...
- Appreciate diversity. ...
- Be friendly. ...
- Be authoritative. ...
- Be well-rounded. ...
- Be able to coordinate.
What skills should school counselors have?
- Communication. A big part of being a school counselor is listening to students, and then responding thoughtfully and effectively. ...
- Empathy. ...
- Friendliness. ...
- Understanding of diversity. ...
- Knowing when to act.
How long do school counselors work a day?
Hours/Travel
Most work 40 hours per week . May work nine months during the school year and have summers off.
Is being a school counselor worth it?
School Counselors have the very important tasks of helping children succeed in school and of preparing them for the rest of their lives. Individuals interested in this challenging but very rewarding job should be compassionate and they should possess excellent listening, people and speaking skills.
What theory do most school counselors use?
Currently preferred cognitive-theory -based therapies include cognitive behavior therapy, reality therapy, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Behavioral: Behavioral counseling theories hold that people engage in problematic thinking and behavior when their environment supports it.
Is guidance counselor outdated?
Although some schools still used the outdated “guidance counselor” term, the American School Counselor Association encourages the use of “school counselor” to more accurately reflect the role.
Is a guidance counselor a therapist?
Your school counselor isn’t a therapist . (So if you see your counselor, it’s not the same as getting therapy.) If you need help in some way that the school counselor can’t provide, he or she can give you information about other resources, such as the name of a therapist.
Why are school counselors no longer called guidance counselors?
“Throughout the book, I use the term school counselor rather than the more well-known term guidance counselor. ... Counselors have consciously shifted away from the term guidance , which reflects the historical emphasis on vocational guidance, to better illustrate the professional scope of their role today.
Can you be a school counselor with a masters in mental health counseling?
Graduates from the MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling are well prepared to pursue state licensure as a professional counselor and licensure or certification as a school counselor.
