PERCEIVED ROLES

Guidance counselors are vital in the overall achievement of our students in schools across this country. The guidance counselor is there to "Guide" the student through the areas of Academics, Career and any Personal or Social issues that the student may encounter. They also work in public and private schools where they meet with students individually or with entire classes for special events, such as substance abuse lectures and college recruitment information. To work in any given school, counselors must first be licensed by their state.

Licensing requirements vary, but most states require a master's degree in school counselling from an accredited program. Some states also require guidance counselors to have a teaching certificate and teaching experience to work in a school. Most guidance counselors work in elementary, middle and high schools; however, some work in colleges or universities and may be called academic advisers. Those who do not work in a school find jobs in vocational rehabilitation services and individual or family services. Experienced guidance counselors may take on directorial or supervisory roles for counseling personnel services or become counseling educators, school administrators or work for a state's department of education

School guidance counselors spend the bulk of their time with students who are having trouble with their schoolwork or who are experiencing emotional problems, such as stress and peer pressure. College guidance counselors primarily act as academic advisers and help students who are having difficulty selecting a major or identifying career goals. High school guidance counselors also take on academic advisory roles. They help students select colleges, apply for financial aid and generally assist in the application process. Guidance counselors also help those not planning to go to college prepare for the workforce by assisting with resume writing, job searches and interview practice.