What Do School Counselors Do?

School counselors are in a unique position within their schools to serve the diverse needs of many students. Through our governing body, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), every school counselor aims to deliver a comprehensive program aimed at reaching all students within their school. Through classroom social-emotional lessons, small groups, and individual meetings with students, school counselors aim to ensure that the barriers to student success, whether academic or personal/social, are removed. Additionally, school counselors work as collaborators with and advocates for families and students to improve student achievement and well-being, and are in constant communication with staff to pinpoint how to better serve each school’s unique student needs. School counselors also consistently track and use school data to determine whether the school counseling program adequately meets student needs, and how to alleviate systemic and wide-reaching barriers hampering our students’ success. Finally, elementary school counselors provide knowledge and guidance to help each student recognize their unique interests and strengths to help them create an appropriate academic path through their secondary education, ensuring that all students are prepared to enter their post-secondary plans and be productive and compassionate members of our changing global community.