1. Running head: SCHOOL COUNSELING 1
Evaluating the School Counseling Career
Erin N. Bosman
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire

2. SCHOOL COUNSELING 2
Evaluating the School Counseling Career
School counselors help assist students in making decisions and help students
solve personal challenges that will improve the student’s successfulness throughout the
school year, which is a 9-11 month contract (www.sigi3.org, n.d.). They typically
collaborate with students from the pre kindergarten-12th grade levels and the staff for
those grade levels to help plan classes, prepare for furthering their education, and help
with developmental needs in addition to providing individual counseling. They also help
to provide classroom guidance and organize programs for various needs (www.sigi3.org,
n.d.). Individuals who choose to work in this field have the opportunity to provide
guidance and to inspire students in elementary, middle, and high school
(www.schoolcounselor.org, n.d.).
If school counselors continue their education at a later point, they will have the
opportunity to also influence college students. School counselors most often are found
functioning in an assortment of school related environments, including a private office
space, classrooms, and a large space for school events. In addition to working in schools
school counselors can also work with a mixture of programs, including those similar to
head start programs (www.sigi3.org, n.d.). School Counselors can also make occasional
visits to student’s homes or to employers that are associated with a career development
program (www.sigi3.org, n.d.). They work full time following the school district’s

3. SCHOOL COUNSELING 3
schedule, which often gives the employees most of the summer off (http://www.bls.gov,
2014).
In order to become a school counselor, individuals must have a bachelor’s degree
and either a master’s degree in counseling or a specific amount of graduate study in some
states (Sigi3, n.d.). Many states require individuals to have counselor certification while
others require individuals to have teacher certification (http://www.bls.gov, 2014). Many
individuals that are interested or partake in the school-counseling career have a variety of
skills related to class- management skills, advising skills, and evaluating skills
(www.sigi3.org, n.d.). They also have a variety of personality traits such as leadership
ability, sensitivity, and an ethical sense (www.sigi3.org, n.d.).
After completing certification and being employed, individuals in the school-
counseling field make an average of $53, 610 per year (http://www.bls.gov, 2014).
Hourly, school counselors in the Midwest are paid between $13.63 an hour (average in
Illinois for the 10th percentile)- $48.38 an hour (average in Illinois for the 90th percentile).
Other Midwestern states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin fell within this range
(www.sigi3.org, n.d.). Salary depends greatly on the size of the school district and the
school district’s financial stability. Without additional education, school counselor can
advance to become a director or supervisor. With additional education, School counselors
can advance to become an administrator, a school psychologist, or a college counselor
(www.sigi3.org, n.d.). A definite positive about the field of school counseling is the
outlook that employment is expected to show a 19% increase between 2010 and 2020
(www.sigi3.org, n.d.).

4. SCHOOL COUNSELING 4
Some professional organizations that school counselors can be a part of include
the American Counseling Association, American School Counselors Association, and the
National Board for Certified Counselors (http://www.bls.gov, 2014). The American
School Counselors Association supports the efforts of school counselors to help the
students under their guidance focus on goals from academic achievements to personal
improvements (www.schoolcounselor.org, n.d.). This organization recognizes the
importance of both academic and personal success. The members of ASCA place social
and emotional development as a necessary focus when helping and influencing students
(www.schoolcounselor.org, n.d.).
The National Board for Certified Counselors is a board that administers the
certification. Through this certification and organization, counselors have a continuous
source of career enhancement and support (www.nbcc.org, n.d.). National Certified
Counselors (NCC) will improve your professional appeal through being able to include
the organizations mark on professional documents and personal business cards
(www.nbcc.org, n.d.). As a National Certified Counselor individuals are also provided
with additional resources such as a free listing in the Therapy Directory, professional
liability insurance, and a clear code of ethics for National Certified Counselors
(www.nbcc.org, n.d.).
Individuals pursuing the school counseling career should immensely want to
influence and improve the academic, career, and emotional developments of students in
elementary, middle, and high school (www.schoolcounselor.org, n.d.). Those who are
interested in advancing at a later point should further their education and seek out
additional certification. Those who are interested in this field often have a social or

5. SCHOOL COUNSELING 5
artistic personality and an overall goal of working in an environment where they can help
other individuals through advising, answering questions, and active listening. They tend
to have values similar to a want to contribute to society, independence, security, variety,
and leadership (www.sigi3.org, n.d.).

6. SCHOOL COUNSELING 6
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2014). School and Career Counselors. Retrieved from
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-
counselors.htm
Home | American School Counselor Association (ASCA). (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.schoolcounselor.org
Kuther, T. (2012). The psychology major's handbook (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson
and Wadsworth.
NBCC | National Board for Certified Counselors. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.nbcc.org
Sigi3. (n.d.). Occupational Information: School counselor. Retrieved from
http://www.sigi3.org/ji.asp?eq=445870086&jn=202&mg=