Professional school counselors have a master's or higher degree in school counseling from a state-approved school counselor preparation program, and they have been certified as a professional school counselor by the New Jersey Department of Education. They are professional educators with specialized training in academic, career, and personal/social development as well as mental health. Their preparation program includes: human growth and development, social and cultural diversity, assessment, career development and training, helping relationships, group work, counseling program development, implementation, evaluation, and enhancement, legal and ethical standards, plus more. The comprehensive counselor program is an integral part of a school district's total educational program. It is developmental by design and includes sequential activities organized and implemented by professional school counselors with the active support of parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and the community. As a developmental program, it addresses the needs of all students by facilitating their academic, personal/social, and career development as well as helping create positive and safe learning climates in schools. At the same time, the program assists students as they face issues and resolve problems that may prevent their healthy development. Professional school counselors spend 100% of their time providing all students with preventative and responsive activities and services delivered through four interrelated program components.
Guidance Curriculum
School counselors work closely with teachers by teaching lessons on some of the following topics:
character education
self-awareness
positive mental health
social skills
conflict mediation/problem solving
study habits
quality relationships
respect for self and others
diversity
bullying
safe and healthy choices
educational and career planning
Responsive Services
School counselors assist students who have unique needs (including those who may be experiencing barriers to academic success) through:
individual counseling
small-group counseling
consultation and collaboration with parents, teachers, administrators, and community agencies
school-based referral
community-based referral
System Support
School counselors manage the counseling program and support other programs in the school through such activities as: