School Councelor Career Paper
I.Nature of the Work
The school counselors are the vital members of the education team. They assist students in academic process, facilitate personal and social development, ensure the productivity of the students, promote their future career development (Barret & Schmidt, 1986). The school counselors used to be just the office workers, passing out college applications, changing schedules for special occasions and helping students with various demands. It has changed over the years and the school counselor career has developed and the duties expanded. Nowadays, to be a counselor means to provide assistance to all the students, contribute to their mental, social, academic, and career strengthening, to be a member of an effective leadership team.
II.Background
To identify the interviewee, I made a research to select the appropriate school with the strong organization. I found a story about my interviewee online, on one of the school websites. He was praised for his contribution to the development of the school and the personal growth of the students. His success attracted my attention, as it is interesting to interview a person who has overcome certain barriers, gained professional experience, and achieved the goals. When I began an interview, I expected the positive reflection on the school counselor career, as it requires concentration, respect, and huge responsibility.
III.Requirements to Become a School Counselor
The school counselor I interviewed does not a have a degree in Psychology. However, he has a Master degree in School Counseling and a valid Special Service Provider License - School Counselor, issued by the Department of Education in the state.
IV.Job Responsibilities
The school counselor I interviewed has a broad specter of responsibilities. His main duty is to advise students about academics, graduation, and career planning. He assists students with selecting courses, dropping from some courses and changing schedules in adherence to the school policies. He is obliged to implement programs and strategies for students and their families to provide interpersonal interaction and adjustment. He participates in the development of crisis management and prevention, coordinates a team of teachers to provide the best cooperation with students, maintains and oversees the personal learning plan for each student. It is his responsibility to refer and report the critical incidents that jeopardize the wellbeing of students.
V.Typical Day on the Job
According to the information from the interview, the usual day starts with routine morning duties. He checks the records and provides the guidance for the lessons. In the afternoon the individual counseling sessions start, so he is working with the students, solving problems, and dealing with their personal and educational issues. After that he makes the records of the students and notes the progress. Program management and school activities planning is an important daily duty.
VI.Challenges and Rewards of the Work
The job is quite challenging and unpredictable, as unforeseen issues may appear. The unexpected behaviors of students will require an immediate reaction, the concerns between student and teachers or parents may cause problems, DHR issues are also quite challenging. However, the rewards of this job are precious. To be …
