If you are interested in helping students in your community, you may want to consider a career as a high school counselor. This position requires you to work directly with students and their parents. The job of a school counselor is to help adolescents navigate their educational options and stay on track to graduation. They are also able to connect families with social services.
There are different degree programs available for high school counselors. While a four-year bachelor’s degree is generally the minimum, schools often require students to earn a graduate degree in counseling as well. Graduate degrees in the field of counseling vary in scope, but they usually focus on the psychology of human development.
In order to become a licensed high school counselor in the state of New York, you will need to complete a variety of requirements. First, you will need to receive a master’s degree from an accredited program. The master’s program must be in the field of school guidance or counseling. Several states have additional requirements for certification.
In addition to a graduate degree, you will also need to have a graduate internship. School counselors typically take part in an internship that is approved by the state. It is a good way to gain practical experience, and it provides an aspiring school counselor with a holistic perspective on the profession.
Once you are a certified high school counselor, you will need to renew your license every few years. Renewal requirements vary from state to state, but it is common to need to renew your license every two to seven years. License renewal requirements include clock hours of professional development and semester hours of education. You can take classes online to keep up with your licensing obligations.
High school counselors are crucial members of the education leadership team. They develop plans for students, ensure that they are on track to graduation, and promote equity. They also help students to stay on track for college. A counselor may also provide intervention activities, connect students and their families with social services, and create prevention programs.
You will need a master’s degree and a professional educator certificate before you can take on a school counseling position. In addition, you will need to have a criminal records check and pass a national fingerprint-based background check.
You will also need to have two years of teaching experience in elementary and middle school. For applicants with more than two years of teaching experience, you will need to complete 600 hours of field experience. Additionally, you will need to complete a three-semester internship.
School counselors are in demand at all grade levels. They help students to make academic and career choices, learn social skills, and develop strategies for managing their emotions. Many counselors specialize in the early childhood development of students. Their duties can be found in many different schools and they are able to work closely with administrators.
You will need to complete an internship with a practicing school counselor before you are certified to work in the field. During this internship, you will have the opportunity to consult with students and provide developmental classroom guidance.
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