Guidance counselors are often the most respected and revered members of a school’s administrative team. They interact with students on a more personal level and are responsible for making sure every student’s needs are met. While the job description of a guidance counselor has changed over the last couple of decades, they still play an integral role in keeping kids in-line and well-behaved. Further, they are responsible for noticing and identifying key factors that might be affecting a student’s ability to work and play with others. Perhaps you would make a great guidance counselor!
Part of a guidance counselor’s job is administrative, particularly at the high school level. Their job is not the same as a traditional counselor because they are also responsible for reviewing test scores, managing special education programs, helping students prepare for college and handing out transcripts when requested. A guidance counselor may also be responsible for setting up a peer mentoring group or counseling students with recent tragedies in their lives. This takes not only an interest in education, but also in the well-being of children.
Some guidance counselors prefer not to work in the school setting at all, and instead set up a private practice. While they don’t work within school walls, they cater to children with mental, physical and emotional developmental problems, and may be invited to local schools when a tragedy occurs or when they need assistance. The difference in salary is large between a school guidance counselor and one in private practice, but the job description is largely the same. If you don’t think you would enjoy administrating standardized tests or handling other administrative tasks, private practice might be a better solution.
According to Salary.com, guidance counselors make between $20,000 and $80,000 per year, with the higher-end salary usually ascribed to those in private practice. The amount of money you make will be influenced by your geographical location, your certifications and your participation in continuing education. If a school is in genuine need of a guidance counselor, you might be offered more for the position. The national average in salary for guidance counselors is around $35,000.
Guidance counselors require certain skills, most of which will be learned during school. The most important thing, however, is that guidance counselors love and have an empathy for children. If you don’t like kids, you won’t make an effective guidance counselor and you probably won’t enjoy your work. Most of your day will be spent meeting with children, and when you aren’t talking to kids, you’ll be working on behalf of them. Make sure that you can handle a lifetime of working with children before you pursue this particular career path.
Another thing you should know about a career as a guidance counselor is that you’ll have to involve yourself in continuing education programs. Most states require that guidance counselors participate in at least one hundred hours of educational learning each year to maintain their certification. If you work for a school, the administration will probably pay for these classes and will keep track to make sure you are meeting your obligations.
All in all, a career as a guidance counselor can be both fulfilling and enjoyable. You may never become a millionaire, but your attention and kindness will mean plenty to the kids with whom you work.
