Educational Counselor
Educational counselors have a wide range of responsibilities, including career counseling, psychological counseling, general guidance, going over correct classroom behavior and listening to students’ problems with family, teachers, friends and their futures. Jobs are available in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as in colleges and universities. Educational counselors need to be able to listen well and enjoy working with children or young adults. Generally, school counselors also need to be well informed about academic trends and the expectations of teachers and schools, the military, and the workforce in order to help students develop a plan for themselves after school.
Elementary and middle school counselors may need to monitor student behavior in the classroom and consult with parents or teachers about learning disabilities, special needs and student social interaction. Counselors working in high schools collaborate with students to help them figure out a plan after graduation, including applying to college, building up a resume, joining the military or finding a job. These counselors have to manage a large influx of applications and resumes from students, as well as test scores, letters of recommendation, college visits, school fairs, and financial aid and numerous academic, vocational and alumni contacts.
While educational counselors have an office at school, they do not have to manage classrooms like teachers do. Instead, they may keep their own office near other administrators. Counselors may also have to work longer hours at school than teachers in order to return phone calls, help students finish applications and meet deadlines. Elementary school counselors may observe students in the classroom or even meet with teachers and parents in the classroom, where they will take notes on students’ behavior and learning abilities. Some schools may give their counselors the summer off, but high school counselors might have to work all year long in order to build up relationships with college recruiters and attend conventions.
To become a licensed educational counselor, at least some graduate study is required. Some schools may also expect a Master’s degree in psychology, school counseling or a related field. The exact requirements vary by state, but an accredited academic program would include classes in multicultural issues, special needs children, gifted students, child psychology, professional ethics and perhaps a school internship. Some schools even want their counselors to have teaching experience.
Educational counselors in elementary and secondary schools can earn up to $53,000, depending on the district and state where they work. Four-year colleges may grant their counselors around $41,700 per year, while the average salary for a counselor at a junior college is around $48,000.
