School Counselors
School counselors help students navigate academic challenges, personal problems, and future career planning. They use assessment tools and digital record systems to evaluate students' strengths and interests, then work with teachers, parents, and mental health professionals to create support plans. This role requires strong communication skills, empathy, and typically a master's degree in counseling or psychology. Modern school counselors often conduct virtual meetings and use specialized software to track student progress and coordinate resources.
Did you know?
Most School Success Coach positions in the US require at least a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, or social work, with many districts preferring additional certifications in counseling or student support services.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$65,000 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast growing
Top skill
Active Listening
Things to consider
Cultural Competency and Diversity Skills
Success in this role requires strong cultural competency skills to effectively support America's increasingly diverse student population across different socioeconomic, racial, and linguistic backgrounds.
Funding Dependency and Job Security
These positions are often grant-funded or dependent on school district budgets, making job security vulnerable to changes in federal, state, and local education funding priorities.
Key responsibilities
Confer with parents or guardians, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to discuss children's progress, resolve behavioral, academic, and other problems, and to determine priorities for students and their resource needs.
Sponsor extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
Establish and supervise peer-counseling and peer-tutoring programs.
Refer students to degree programs based on interests, aptitudes, or educational assessments.
Conduct follow-up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met.