Reasons to Become a School Counselor

Few people see or understand the benefits of becoming a school counselor, but there are actually many reasons why being a school counselor is a useful and important position, and should be considered a career. If you’ve wanted to work with young people but just can’t see yourself in a classroom, or are a teacher but need a change, becoming a counselor might be the right move for you.

Reasons to Become a School Counselor

There are many reasons why someone might choose to become a school counselor. Perhaps you have a passion for working with children and helping them reach their full potential. Maybe you enjoy working in an educational setting and want to make a difference in the lives of young people. Or maybe you have personal experience with the challenges that students face and want to help others through similar experiences.

1. To make a difference in the lives of students.
2. To help students reach their full potential.
3. To be a role model for students.
4. To work with a diverse population of students.
5. To advocate for the needs of all students.
6. To provide support to students and families during difficult times.
7. To collaborate with teachers and other school staff to create a positive school climate.
8. To be an agent of change in the education system.
9. And last but not least, because it is an incredibly rewarding profession!

Whatever your reason for wanting to become a school counselor, know that it is a rewarding and challenging career path. As a school counselor, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students every day. You will also gain personal satisfaction from seeing your students succeed in school and in life. Let’s expand on a few of these reasons to become a school counselor.

Make an Impact Today

When you are a counselor, you work with students one-on-one daily and are able to make an immediate impact on their lives. While teachers have to wait and hope that what they’ve done has helped, a counselor gets to fix immediate problems for students and help them feel secure and happy, from something as simple as changing them into a class they need to something as complex as family troubles or bullying, you have the opportunity to change things for the better.

It might seem scary to work with students in their most difficult moments, but it can also be the most satisfying and lead to the biggest impact. Most of your job will be focused on helping them get the classes they need and want to allow them to be successful, which is rather simple but very important to those students, but you’ll also get the opportunity to help them solve the big problems and know that you’re making a significant difference in their lives.

Influence Kids’ Futures

Helping a student in the moment is great, but you also get to help set them up for the future that they want. As you meet with students and discuss their goals, you will be able to help them figure out who they want to be. By helping them sign up for scholarships, figure out what they’re passionate about, and guiding them to the classes that will best help them, you will influence students far into the future, giving them the life they want.

Job Security

Education is one of the most secure fields available, and as a counselor, you’ll find that you don’t have to worry about getting laid off. In fact, in most districts, you can quickly get tenure and only be fired for gross violations, regardless of economic downturns or other factors that make jobs in other areas so volatile. Further, you often get a solid retirement as part of your contract if you work for enough years, leaving you secure even when you’re done working.

Summer Vacation

Last but not least, who wouldn’t want several weeks off each year, allowing you to spend time with your family and go on vacations? School counselors often get almost as much time off per year as teachers (though it varies by the school district), so you have the chance to take longer vacations and enjoy some time at home, an opportunity that is nonexistent in most careers.

School Counselor FAQs

If you are considering becoming a school counselor, read on for more information about the profession.

What Does a School Counselor Do?

School counselors typically work in elementary, middle, and high schools. They may also work in private schools, charter schools, or educational institutions outside of the traditional school setting.

Counselors typically have an office at their school where they can meet with students privately. They may also spend time in classrooms, hallways, and other common areas of the school.

The specific duties of a school counselor vary depending on the needs of the students and the school. However, some common duties include:

• Meeting with students to discuss academic, social, and emotional concerns
• Developing individualized plans to help students achieve academic success
• Connecting students and families with community resources
• Collaborating with teachers and other school staff to support student development
• Facilitating group counseling sessions on topics such as bullying, grief, and substance abuse
• Delivering crisis counseling to students in times of need
• Maintaining confidentiality in accordance with state and federal laws

What are the top reasons to become a school counselor?

The top reasons to become a school counselor include having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students, being able to work with a diverse population of students, and having a flexible schedule.

What is the job outlook for school counselors?

The job outlook for school counselors is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of school counselors will grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029.

What are the salary prospects for school counselors?

School counselors can earn a median annual salary of $57,040. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $85,350 per year.

What are the educational requirements for becoming a school counselor?

To become a school counselor, you will need to complete a master’s degree in school counseling or a related field. You may also need to complete a state-approved internship and pass a licensing exam.

What are the skills that are needed to be a successful school counselor?

Some skills that are needed to be a successful school counselor include being able to communicate effectively, being organized, being able to build relationships, and being compassionate.

What are some of the challenges that school counselors face?

Some challenges that school counselors face include working with students who have challenging behaviors, dealing with budget cuts, and managing their time effectively.

What are some of the benefits of being a school counselor?

Some benefits of being a school counselor include having a flexible schedule, working with a diverse population of students, and having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a school counselor can be a very rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and work with a diverse population of students. There are also many benefits, such as having a flexible schedule and being able to work with a variety of students. However, there are also some challenges that you may face, such as working with budget cuts and managing your time effectively. But overall, being a school counselor can be a very rewarding career choice.

If you’ve never considered becoming a school counselor, but you want to work with students, you may want to think about it. There are many advantages to a career as a counselor over other fields and even over that of a school teacher, and you could find that it’s the perfect fit for you.