Most adults hardly remember their school counselors – if their schools offered any counseling services at all. In the past, school counselors did little more than proffer college brochures and chastise “problem” students. Yet, as educational institutions progressed, so did the school counseling position.
These days, school counselors take much more active roles in students’ academic and personal lives. However, how school counselors function – their daily and year-long responsibilities – vary depending on the age of their student populace. If you are on the verge of earning your master’s in school counseling online, you should consider which grade levels you are interested in serving and how that could affect your career.
Elementary School
Grades K Through 6 or 8 / Ages 4 Through 11 or 15
Because younger children don’t often have academic concerns – on the level of “What courses should I take to prepare me for this career?” or “How will my college application benefit from this extracurricular activity?” – elementary school counselors often only see students when there are emotional or behavioral concerns from teachers and parents.
Usually, a counselor’s workload will depend largely on the socio-economic status of the district. Students coming from families of lower income tend to have more trouble at home, perhaps lacking essentials like electricity or regular access to food and clean water as well as experiencing drug and alcohol use, the incarceration of relatives, and noisy environments preventing study or even sleep. However, there are some issues that arise regardless of income, such as physical and sexual abuse, depression and anxiety, self-harm and peer pressure.
Counselors at this level tend to have more autonomy than counselors at more advanced educational institutions. You will likely be the only counselor serving a school, and you might serve several schools at once. Though you will answer to school administrators, like vice principals and principals, you will likely be able to schedule your own day.
Middle School/Junior High
Grades 6 or 7 Through 8 / Ages 11 Through 15
What is true of children at elementary schools is also true of middle school kids – with the added complexity of burgeoning hormones. Puberty begins for most modern adolescents between the ages of 10 and 14, so almost all students in these grade levels will begin experiencing physical and emotional changes that often translates to more trips to the school counselor. In addition to troubles seen at younger grade levels, social, romantic and sexual issues begin to appear as does experimentation with various substances.
Depending on the size of the school, you may be the only counselor at the junior high, or you might serve a single grade level while other counselors handle other grades. Though you lose some independence, you gain the ability to connect with students to a greater degree, which can feel more fulfilling.
High School
Grades 9 Through 12 / Ages 15 Through 18
Beginning in high school, students turn their focus to the future, and so must their school counselors. It is common for counselors at this level to provide as much academic advising as personal or emotional guidance because students in high school are preparing for college, technical school or the job market. Thus, counselors must be familiar with advantageous courses of study for a variety of paths.
It is around this level of practice that earning a master’s in school counseling online will likely enhance your ability to find a desirable position and adequately address student concerns. High school counseling might not delve into personal issues as much as elementary or middle school counseling, but the opportunity to help students determine the best path toward their dreams is fulfilling in its own way. Plus, salaries for high school counselors tend to be higher, in accordance with their advanced credentials.
Higher Education
Community College or University / Ages 18+
Adults in need of therapy or counseling typically pursue professionals practicing outside academic halls; therefore, counselors employed by educational institutions above the high school level rarely function solely as counselors. Instead, they typically take the title of academic advisor, helping students identify the credits they need for their preferred degree and addressing potential obstacles in their path. Academic advisors also sometimes assist students in seeking the financial tools necessary to afford education, which can include complicated legal paperwork.
Counselors in higher education are usually numerous; each degree program has at least one counselor well-versed in credit requirements and course schedules. Plus, perhaps the most significant advantage of working in higher ed is that your clients are adults, meaning there is no need to notify parents when issues arise.
Wherever you choose to work, you can be certain that your school and students need you. Carefully consider your options, and you will find a position that provides meaning to your work.
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