A school counselor must earn a Master’s Degree in school counseling and hold state certification in school counseling to include counseling theories and practices, human behavior, career education, individual appraisal, and social/cultural issues. Maintaining certification includes on-going professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.

The primary role of school counselors is to help students learn and develop to their highest potential socially, emotionally, and academically. The school counseling program provides students with early interventions as well as preventative strategies to ensure that all students achieve success in school and in life.