School counseling is a growing field, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting more than 16,000 job openings for these professionals through 2033. School counselors sometimes develop their skills via other roles in education first, but a common pathway to becoming a counselor is to study in a specified degree program.
Lamar University offers future school counselors specialized training in its online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling and Development with a Specialization in Professional School Counseling program. This program has several noteworthy advantages. For example, applicants do not require a teaching certificate or an education service record to apply. Furthermore, graduates can become school counselors, career counselors and counselors within social services. Finally, the program is especially useful for those looking to work in Texas, as it meets the coursework requirements for the Texas School Counseling and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification by including a residency, a 15-week practicum and a 15-week internship.
The Importance of School Counselors
According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), “School counselors are certified/licensed educators who improve student success for all students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program.” Their goal is to increase student success by promoting access and helping students manage emotions, develop skills and plan for postsecondary opportunities.
As a result, counselors are a vital part of a school’s leadership team. A counselor is usually responsible for as many as 250 students. Across so many students, needs vary greatly from individual to individual, which means a well-prepared counselor must be ready to address a variety of challenges and offer bespoke support. Although some of this understanding is gained on the job, much is acquired through the educational process, with school counselors required to hold a master’s degree in the subject and obtain adequate licenses, depending on the state.
Overall, a counselor’s responsibilities can vary from academic planning and goal setting to more intensive lessons for students, providing long-term or short-term support for particular projects, collaborating with families and communities to achieve increased success, advocating for students, conducting data analysis to identify issues and proposing solutions. This multifaceted role offers exciting challenges for those who wish to engage with a variety of students and support students toward success in school, higher education and the workforce.
How to Get Licensed as a School Counselor
In Texas, school counselors are certified by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), according to the Texas Counseling Association (TCA). SBEC is part of the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The TEA offers a comprehensive list of requirements for certification. Furthermore, school counselors are regulated by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), which is also responsible for social workers and psychologists in the state.
Future Texas school counselors can find more information and community through TCA. TCA is not responsible for licensing or regulating the profession, but is “a membership organization that leads, educates and advocates to advance the counseling profession, increase access to professional counselors, and promote wellness.”
With the required education and license, counselors are equipped to thrive in school counseling roles. School counselors earn a median salary of $65,140 per year, while the top 10% of earners receive more than $105,870, according to BLS. Projected job growth in the field is expected to be 4% from 2023 to 2033.
How Does School Counseling Make a Difference?
Education Advanced outlines how counselors play a vital role not only in academic success but also in students’ mental health. For some students, a local school counselor may be the only professional they deal with who has the skills and capacity to talk through mental health complications.
In addition to expertise in implementing comprehensive school counseling programs, school counselors possess the insight to recognize developmental issues and mental health risks and provide counseling that addresses these concerns. However, this responsibility can be challenging, as spending too much time focusing on one student may detract from the time available for the rest of a counselor’s caseload. According to the ASCA, school counselors should work with students to deliver mental health awareness, recognize warning signs, and provide short-term counseling and intervention.
To find out more about this fascinating field, consider the M.Ed. in Counseling & Development – Professional School Counseling online program offered by Lamar University. This M.Ed. program serves as a gateway to acquiring the necessary skills for helping students achieve personal, academic and professional success.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Counseling and Development with a Specialization in Professional School Counseling program.
