Understanding School Counseling: Roles, Impact, and Career Paths
Discover what is school counseling and its impact and importance to student success.
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School counselors help countless students achieve academic and social success and career readiness. Learn about the education and licensing requirements you’ll need to get started as a school counselor and the potential salaries you can earn.
Impact and Importance of School Counseling
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a student-to-school counselor ratio of 250 to 1. However, the average student-to-school counselor ratio across all U.S. schools was 376 to 1 for the 2023-2024 school year.
Dozens of scholarly studies have demonstrated the importance of sufficient school counselor presence in K-12 schools, including the following findings:
- Students in districts with elementary school counselors have improved academic performance outcomes vs. districts without.1
- Using a research-supported group counseling model, school counselors can help improve the academic and social functioning of middle school students.2
- High school students who visit their school counselor to request college information are more likely to apply for college.3
- English language learners who participate in group sessions with a school counselor may feel greater social confidence and be better able to adjust to their new school.4
What is the Role of a School Counselor?
School counselors provide students with academic support, career development advice, and social and emotional guidance. They don’t just work with students; they also involve and support students’ families and collaborate with educators and administrators.
- 1Promoting Academic Success
School counselors aim to improve students’ academic success. When meeting with students, they assess their learning challenges, such as frequent absences or falling behind in school work, and help them develop goals. They monitor students’ progress and provide support with time management, study habits, and test-taking skills.
School counselors work closely with teachers and administrators to receive student updates and collaborate on ways school staff can offer support. They may also meet with parents or guardians about how they can bolster students’ academic achievement at home.
- 2Supporting Mental Health and Well-being
School counselors also focus on students’ mental health and well-being, providing social development support and crisis intervention. They offer individual and group support with issues like bullying and peer pressure, and identify outside resources in cases of neglect or abuse.
School counselors collaborate with teachers and school administrators on how to support students experiencing mental health issues at school. They also involve family members to help them understand students’ challenges at school and to address issues at home that affect students’ emotional and mental health.
- 3Developing College and Career Readiness
High school counselors advise students on formulating career goals, choosing a college or training program, and accessing funding to pay for higher education. They also offer information on securing internships or apprenticeships and how to search and apply for jobs. They provide practical help with skills like interviewing and writing resumes or admissions essays.
School counselors assist with selecting the high school classes and extracurricular activities that will support students’ long-term educational and professional goals.
Career Paths in School Counseling
A career in school counseling typically involves employment at a public or private school across K-12 grade levels.
- Elementary school counselors focus on supporting young students’ academic, social, and emotional development.
- Middle school counselors support adolescents in addressing academic challenges, social issues, and career exploration.
- High school counselors assist students with academic planning, college and career readiness, and personal development.
Education and License Requirements
States vary in their specific requirements, but public school counselors typically require a license, certification, or endorsement. Most state boards of education require school counselors to hold a master’s degree in school counseling or psychology from a program accredited by an organization such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
In addition, certification and licensure candidates need practicum or internship hours under the supervision of a licensed school counselor. They also must pass a state exam or a national test, such as Praxis, and a criminal background check.
Credential renewal requires completing continuing education credits as mandated by state licensure boards.
Salary Expectations for School Counselor
Annual income for school counselors can vary significantly depending on their geographic location and workplace.
The tables below list the highest and lowest-paying states for school counselors, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. For comparison, the BLS shows an overall national annual median salary of $65,140 for school counselors, with the highest 10% earning more than $105,870 and the lowest 10% making less than $43,580.
Another BLS metric ranks the annual median salary by workplace setting. Public elementary and secondary schools pay the highest salary ($76,960), followed by private elementary and secondary schools ($62,090).
| Area | Median Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| California | $94,320 |
| Washington | $83,930 |
| Washington, D.C. | $80,280 |
| Alaska | $80,020 |
| Massachusetts | $78,840 |
| Area | Median Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | $55,420 |
| Florida | $54,080 |
| Missouri | $53,790 |
| South Dakota | $52,450 |
| Oklahoma | $51,140 |
Frequently Asked Questions About School Counseling
School counselors help students achieve academic and social success. They advise and counsel students and collaborate with school staff, teachers, and administrators. They also work with families on how to help students thrive in school.
Sources
- Wilkerson, Kevin, et. al. Comprehensive School Counseling Programs and Student Achievement Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis of Ramp versus Non-Ramp Schools. Professional School Counseling. 2013
- Rose, Joy, et. al. The Achieving Success Everyday Group Counseling Model: Fostering Resiliency in Middle School Students. Professional School Counseling. September 2014
- Bryan, Julia, et. al. School Counselors as Social Capital: The Effects of High School College Counseling on College Application Rates. Journal of Counseling & Development. December 2011
- Steen, Sam, et. al. Promoting School Adjustment for English-Language Learners Through Group Work. Professional School Counseling. January 2017
