What Is the Role of a School Counselor?

Counseling in schools provides essential support to help young people navigate their academic, personal and social lives. Initially focused primarily on vocational guidance, the role of school counselors has evolved significantly over the years, becoming an integral part of the educational system.¹

School counseling was established in the early 20th century and focused on preparing students for the workforce. Today, the role of school counselors has expanded to meet the diverse needs of students and has become a crucial part of education.¹

In this blog post, we’ll explore what school counselors do, why their work is vital for student success and how you can pursue a rewarding career in this field through William & Mary School of Education’s Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling program.

A school counselor is a trained professional who supports students in various aspects of their educational journey, from academic planning to emotional well-being.¹ These counselors play a multifaceted role in helping students achieve their full potential, both in and out of the classroom. They help students set goals, improve behavior and social skills, develop time-management skills, become self-motivated and much more.² School counselors can support small groups and assist with classroom management.²

To become a school counselor, one needs a master’s degree in school counseling, psychology, social work or a related field. After completing a master’s program, aspiring counselors must complete a supervised internship or practicum, followed by state-specific certification or licensure.²

A school counselor’s education never truly ends as they must renew their licenses every three to five years, depending on the state, which usually requires additional professional development or education courses. This rigorous process ensures that counselors are well-prepared to handle the diverse challenges they will face in schools.

School counselors are vital members of the educational team, providing a range of services that support students’ academic, career and personal development.³

Below are some key areas where school counselors make a significant impact:

School counselors help students set academic goals, develop study habits and choose courses that align with their interests and future aspirations. They work closely with teachers to monitor student progress and intervene when academic difficulties arise, ensuring each student has the resources needed to succeed.³

As career advisors, school counselors assist students in exploring potential career paths and making informed decisions about their futures. They provide information on colleges, vocational programs and career opportunities, helping students understand the connection between their education and future job prospects. They can help students set realistic academic and career goals and help them choose the best path to achieve them.

If students aren’t sure what path to take, school counselors can use specialized assessments to evaluate interests and skills.

Once a student has decided to pursue college, a career or both, school counselors can help with college applications, essays as well as job applications and interviews.⁴

Recognizing the importance of mental health in student success, school counselors offer support for emotional and psychological well-being. They provide a safe space for students to discuss personal issues, manage stress and develop coping strategies.

School counselors cannot diagnose or prescribe medications to students who face more severe mental health challenges, but counselors can act as a bridge to external mental health services.²

In times of crisis, whether a personal issue like the loss of a family member or a school-wide emergency, school counselors offer immediate support and help students navigate difficult situations. Their training equips them to respond effectively to crises, ensuring the safety and well-being of the entire school community.

During these events, students may need special accommodations, so counselors must collaborate with teachers and families to ensure the students receive the guidance and counselor support they need. Counselors must also recognize when a student may need help from professionals outside the school and provide them with the appropriate resources.⁵

In addition to these roles, school counselors also provide personal and social support, helping students build strong relationships with peers, develop social skills and navigate the complexities of adolescence.

The presence of school counselors in schools has a profound impact on both individual students and the broader school environment. By providing academic, career and emotional support, counselors help students overcome obstacles. This counselor guidance benefits the students in the short term and affects their future success.

Counselors can provide tools and resources to help build well-rounded students with the confidence and self-worth to achieve their goals.⁶

For example, students who receive regular school counseling are more likely to be prepared for college and the workforce. Counselors help prepare students for the world outside of school. Students graduate with the tools to set realistic goals, make informed decisions and navigate the challenges of post-secondary education and early career development.⁶

Moreover, counselors’ emotional support contributes to a positive school climate, reducing bullying and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion. Counselors know the different kinds of bullying, like cyberbullying, and can address each situation appropriately. School counselors can educate parents on the impact of bullying, work with the school to create anti-bullying policies and work with the bullies to teach them how to manage their behavior and emotions.

Teaching students how to become more self-aware can help create a safer, more inclusive environment.⁷

Despite their critical role, school counselors face numerous challenges in their work. One of the most significant is the high student-to-counselor ratio in many schools, which can limit the amount of time counselors can spend with each student. Counselors have numerous responsibilities outside of sessions with individual students, so providing the adequate support that all students need can be challenging.⁸

Some students may have complex needs and require additional support, so counselors prioritize these students, but this runs the risk of other students not getting enough support when their counselor just doesn’t have the time.

Supporting students from diverse backgrounds also presents challenges. Cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic differences can affect students’ experiences and needs, requiring counselors to be culturally competent and sensitive to the unique challenges faced by different student populations.

Counselors must deeply understand the various cultural norms in their environment and their own biases. They must identify and be aware of personal biases and work to overcome them to ensure they provide an inclusive space for all students. Language barriers between students and counselors present a more significant challenge, as communication is the foundation of counseling.

School counselors must find ways to communicate with all students, despite their language, because all students deserve the same level of support.⁸

School counselors are essential to the success and well-being of students, helping them navigate the challenges of school and prepare for the future. Their work has a lasting impact, shaping the lives of countless young people and contributing to a positive school environment.

If you’re passionate about making a difference in students’ lives, a career in school counseling could be the perfect path for you. William & Mary’s Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling program offers comprehensive training in the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this rewarding field.

Take some time to explore W&M’s curriculum, known for its collaborative coursework and emphasis on interactive learning environments, and review the admissions requirements in detail.

Schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor and start your journey to becoming a school counselor.