(Source: American School Counselor Association, Pennsylvania School Counselors Association)

The Role of the Professional School Counselor

The professional school counselor is a certified/licensed educator trained in school counseling with unique qualifications and skills to address all students’ academic, personal/social and career development needs. Professional school counselors implement a comprehensive school counseling program that promotes and enhances student achievement. Professional school counselors are employed in elementary, middle/junior high and high schools and in district supervisory, counselor education and post-secondary settings. Their work is differentiated by attention to developmental stages of student growth, including the needs, tasks and student interests related to those stages.

Professional school counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student achievement. Incorporating leadership, advocacy and collaboration, professional school counselors promote equity and access to opportunities and rigorous educational experiences for all students. Professional school counselors support a safe learning environment and work to safeguard the human rights of all members of the school community. Collaborating with other stakeholders to promote student achievement, professional school counselors address the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs that are a part of a comprehensive school counseling program.

Professional school counselors have a master’s degree or higher in school counseling, meet the state certification/licensure standards and abide by the laws of the states in which they are employed. They uphold the ethical and professional standards of professional counseling associations.

What does the School Counselor Do?

	Talks with students individually and in groups.
	Provides small and large group classroom instruction based on a variety of developmental issues.
	Helps to identify and address individual student needs.
	Administers and interprets standardized tests to provide information regarding students' strengths and weaknesses.
	Helps parents and students make better use of community resources.
	Coordinates referrals to other school specialists.
	Promotes positive attitudes and values among students.
	Assists in the identification of and referrals for crisis situations.
	Aids in High School admission process.

Why Would Parents Contact the School Counselor?

	Concerns over students achievement
	Family health problems
	Adjustment difficulties
	Test interpretation
	Discussion regarding a child's special needs
	Identification and discussion of potential or current student crisis
	Family difficulties and concerns