Georgia School Counselors

Educators and career changers from Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Athens and every other city and town in Georgia are being drawn toward the career of a Georgia school counselor.

The attraction toward school counseling has roots in a variety of career advantages such as Georgia's history of creating quality salaries for educators in spite of minimal funding. In the school year of '05-'06, Georgia ranked 18th in average teacher salary at $48,300. However, per pupil funding ranked 30th among all other states.

Secondly, Georgia school counselors are experiencing more responsibility and authority in education. Curriculum and school programs are more frequently created with the aid of student psychology research in order to break down learning barriers.

Lastly, many of the best and brightest educators are finding as Georgia school counselors they have much more effect on the lives of those students who need the most assistance in order to succeed. Witnessing the fruits of your labor, as students you have worked with are handed their diplomas, is more rewarding than words can describe.

In a February 22nd, 2008 press release, Superintendent of Education Kathy Cox speaks out regarding Clayton Co. and the committment to progression in Georgia's efforts toward advancing the quality of education:

"I fully endorse the initiatives announced by Governor Perdue today and pledge the full cooperation and support of the Georgia Department of Education. The department is also researching ways we can help the students who, due to no fault of their own, are facing an uncertain future."

As for career stability, Superintendent Cox has vowed, in no uncertain terms, that she is going to do all she can to support her state's educators. As curriculum leans more and more toward scientific approaches in breaking down learning barriers and helping students succeed, the job of school counselors will become more and more important.

Contact schools offering school counseling or mental health counseling programs and learn how you can begin a career as a Georgia School Counselor.

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**Some states require completion of a state-approved School Counselor preparation program from a regionally accredited institution in order to be licensed as a school counselor. Capella University is regionally accredited and their School Counseling specialization is state-approved by the Arizona Department of Education. We recommend that you follow up with your state Department of Education (DOE) to determine whether Capella's Arizona- approved School Counseling specialization meets your state's licensure requirements.