High School Counselor

What are the steps to becoming a high school counselor? I am interested in being a high school counselor. The one that helps the students pick their classes, and so on. What are the steps to start this career? What must i do? Is there anything you can tell me what you do? good and bad?
I am going to go to a community college first. What classes should i take?

You will need a masters degree in school counseling. A few states require that you be a teacher first, but not many because that is really not needed. You can get your bachelors in psychology or teaching or something related. Make sure that any masters college program you go to is CACREP accredited, because then you will not need as many hours for licensure and will be better prepared. You can go to www.cacrep.org and see listing of accredited programs by state. If you get this degree you can also become a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and will then be able to work at mental health centers, in private practice, etc. This is good because you have 2x the job options. I have a degree in school counseling but have not worked at a school since my internship because many places require you to be a "glorified secretary", doing a lot of paperwork that's not related to counseling. However, there are good schools out there that will pay decent and value their school counseling programs. You can often make more $ in mental health or private practice, but in a school you get good benefits, pension, insurance, etc. Im actually thinking of leaving mental health and going back to school counseling since now i have more experience and can make more and work at a better school. As a school counselor, you would be expected to see kids who are having a hard time or in crisis, help them plan their academics and college prep, and have a school counseling curriculum, where you do groups and programs to address common problems like drug abuse, healthy relationships, bullying, etc. Good luck ☺

2010-03-24 16:27:04 by Rusty

Jane Pauley interviews Mr. Graham about his bad advice to high school kids...

I just graduated from college and I'm currently considering a career as a high school counselor. Are there any high school counselors out there who can tell me what's it like to be one. Any advice or tips for me?

lol, all my counselor do is sit in her office and mess up everybody's program...

2009-09-04 14:08:41 by Ricky

Price: $175.00

When do I get the chance to speak with an academic advisor? Do I speak with them while still in high school along with my regular counselor?

an academic advisor is one who is private and more knowledgable and u pay for, school counselors are still good but dont care as much an arent as smart, but are free and u speak to them while in high school to know what classes to take too get tin to a college

2011-01-13 20:24:47 by Tennis

I'm currently studying Psychology, and have 2 semesters left before I'll have my AA in Social Science. Do you need a Masters to become a high school counselor, or just a bachelors?

Thanks for your information!

It really depends on what state you live in. For example in California to become a high school counselor you must obtain a Pupil Personnel Services Credential ( PPS), your B.A must be complete before entering a credential program. A masters degree is not an requirement, but most school districts offer a stipend for the masters. Call a local school district or district that you are interested in working for and ask their human resource department for specific details.

2008-01-13 10:25:45 by fingsunshine

I just got accepted to the University of Houston and I'm wondering what I have to do to become a high school counselor/ senior counselor.

Steps to Become a High School Guidance Counselor

* Earning a bachelor's degree: For those interested in how to become a high school guidance counselor, the first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree. Key courses that will help develop skills for this profession include psychology, communications and social sciences.
* Completing a master's degree: A master's degree or the completion of some graduate work is required by most states. Acceptable programs of study include secondary school counseling, education and related fields.
* Obtaining a counseling license: Most public school systems require a license for individuals who wish to become high school guidance counselors. To maintain the license, high school guidance counselors must complete continuing education credits.
* Obtaining a teaching certificate: Though requirements vary by state, some state systems require aspiring counselors to earn a teaching certificate. Some states also require individuals to have a few years of teaching experience prior to working as high school guidance counselors.
* Acquire school counseling certification: Many states require high school guidance counselors to obtain school counseling certification with the state. The guidelines for certification vary according to each state, but many states require a master's degree.



Required Skills
Active listening skills are needed to work as a high school guidance counselor with adolescent students who have academic and social interaction problems or need assistance with 'special needs.' There is a need to be 'problem sensitive' because to advocate and coach the student one must understand her/his situation at home.

2009-06-29 23:19:59 by Robot World