School Counselor Role

Why Elementary School Counselors?

The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Elementary school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/ emotional skills in response to issues they face.

SCHOOL COUNSELOR’S ROLE

School counselors play an essential role in creating an equitable, inclusive school culture promoting success for all.

Help all students:

• apply academic achievement strategies

• manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills

• plan for postsecondary options (higher education, military, work force)

Other duties include providing:

• individual student academic planning and goal setting

• school counseling classroom lessons based on student success standards

• short-term counseling to students • referrals for long-term support

• collaboration with families/teachers/ administrators/community for student success

• advocacy for students at individual education plan meetings and other student-focused meetings

• data analysis to identify student issues, needs and challenges