What is a School Counselor

Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity.Middle 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, respectful learning environment whereby young adolescents can maximize personal and academic achievement. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community. 

Middle School Counselors Implement the School Counseling Program by Providing:

School Guidance Curriculum

• Academic skills support

• Organizational, study and test-taking skills

• Education in understanding self and others

• Coping strategies

• Peer relationships and effective social skills

• Communication, problem-solving, decision-making and conflict resolution

• Career awareness, exploration and planning

• Substance abuse education

• Multicultural/diversity awareness

Individual Student Planning

• Goal-setting/decision- making

• Academic planning

• Career planning

• Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses

• Transition planning

Responsive Services

• Individual and small group counseling

• Individual/family/school crisis intervention

• Peer facilitation

• Consultation/collaboration

• Referrals

Source:  https://www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/Careers-Roles/WhyMiddle.pdf