School Counselor Free Essay Example

Every student needs help in some way whether entering high school, needing information, choosing a career, or talk about personal problems. As a high schoolor, students realize what roles counselors play in school careers and futures. School counselors are there every step of the way. A school counselor plays multiple roles in a students’ life. Before anything, the counselor and student must get to know each other, so the student is comfortable. (Job Profiles, 2011) When a student enters freshman year in high school, there is one counselor that will be there throughout the four years of high school.

Students are worried about the new people, new classes, where the classes are, etc. The counselor allows the student to choose their classes, but they must also meet the graduating requirements. Another job the school counselor does is helping students plan their careers for the future. They provide information on careers they might be interested in, colleges and their requirements. Throughout the students school years they guide them in a path that will help them in the future, depending what colleges they want to go to and what they want to major in.

Lastly, school counselors help students deal with personals problems. For example, family related, drug related, social problems or struggles in class. Your counselor is there for you whenever you need them. To be a counselor, you must want to help the students in the best way possible. You are required to be patient, confident, trustful and resourceful. My main goal while being a counselor is making sure the student feels safe.

But also, help them with what they need, make sure they still have fun, listen to what they say and guide them in the direction of success.

It may not be easy but it will be worth it. I believe that I would enjoy this job the most because it challenges me to help someone in the best way possible. (KidsHealth, 1995) To lead into your career of a school counselor the high school classes that would be most helpful is to take four years of English, three to four years of math, four years of social studies and science and four years of any career and technical courses. For example; Career Exploration or Human Growth & Development. It is required in all states for any school counselor to have a state certification.

And in some states it is required to have a master’s degree. Also, it could be required to take a 1-year teacher education program that is offered as most 4-year colleges. Any training or counseling programs are very helpful also. (Job Profiles, 2011) On a weekday basis, counselors work for around 7 to 8 hours a day looking to see how their students are doing throughout the day and how their grades are. They have the same hours and days as teachers do. They work throughout the school day from the beginning of the school year to the end.

But they also prepare for the next school year in the summer. Counselors often work on their own, but sometimes they may talk to other counselors about things, and they may talk to students on their own, or in little groups. Counselors have their own offices. ( KidsHealth, 1995) The salaries that the counselors earn depend on their level of seniority or level of education. On average they would make around $32,000 to $86,000 a year. Starting off their career as a counselor they make $18. 53 an hour, but once they become more experienced they make $36. 53 an hour.

They may also receive benefits by contributing to health insurance for a student. (School Counselor: Job Profile & Salary, 2012) There are three basic levels to become a counselor. The first step is becoming a teacher with the responsibilities of planning ahead, being organized, teaching students, and attending meetings. Then they advance to be a school counselor. They are responsible for counseling students and meeting with parents. And as the highest level you could become is the director of counselors. They run the whole department of counselors and plan new programs.

(Career Cruising, 2012) I believe this career would be right for me because it fits my personality. On a daily basis I am always there for my friends, helping them whenever they need it. I provide to best advice I can to anyone who needs it. They classes that I take now fit into the requirements that I need to become a counselor. And for college I would attend a 4-year university right out of high school and take any extra counseling programs. I am interested in helping students in the future and lead them in the right direction.

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