Missouri School Counselors

“The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law,” is Missouri’s state motto, which promotes the security and wellbeing of its citizens-including students within their educational system.

School counselors in this “Show-me State” focus on the welfare of every student-academically, socially, and personally. Their spotlight on the whole child is a striking example of what a solid school counseling model ought to be.

Effective, comprehensive school counseling programs are vital to schools within Missouri, and are a critical element in the development of success-ready students. Missouri school counselors have a positive impact on students, parents, schools and communities, and make it their mission to ensure the welfare of everyone involved.

What do Missouri school counselors do?

The vision of the Missouri School Counseling Staff is to work with schools to help ensure that each school has a fully implemented comprehensive school counseling program. This program not only supports academic and career achievement, it evaluates the social and emotional development of all students.

Here are a few specific roles of the Missouri school counselor:

1. They promote lifelong learning.

   As students plan and prepare for their future, school counselors come alongside them to promote lifelong learning and advancement. By offering specialized classes and services, students are motivated to grow, learn, and keep learning beyond the high school years. By identifying students’ needs, school counselors are able to develop customized classes and programs that inform, motivate, and inspire a love for learning. They assist teachers as well, by offering in-service training to address particular topics that will better each school’s educational system.

2. They incorporate assessment, career, and college planning.

   Whether a student is aiming for an Ivy-league school or a tech/trade school, counselors in Missouri offer up-to-date assessments towards college and career readiness. These assessments help pinpoint students’ strengths and weaknesses and educate counselors to offer individualized college/career paths. Missouri school counselors also guide students and their families towards financial aid services and possible scholarship opportunities.

3. They work closely with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and the community.

   Missouri school counselors don’t carry the responsibility alone. They include parents, teachers, and administrators in every developmental system they implement. By working together to ensure the best academic and behavioral success for each student, they provide solid counsel and guidance with full cooperation from everyone involved.

4. They create positive and safe learning climates in schools.

   Safety in schools is one of the Missouri counselor’s top priorities. Equipped to handle emergency situations, as well as offer preventative measures, they are diligent about creating a positive and safe learning environment. Some of the preventative classes they offer might be focused on bullying, substance abuse, harassment, or racial equality. By leading the way towards a positive and safe learning environment, school counselors promote respect for every student in the school system.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Missouri?

School counselors’ main objectives are to inspire children, support them, and promote positive academic, career, and personal development. The positive and lasting impact school counselors have on students is one of the top reasons these professionals choose this specific career path.

Here are a few reasons why someone should consider becoming a school counselor in Missouri:

• School counselors are vital components to schools’ educational teams.
• School counselors help students get through difficult challenges that might otherwise impede their overall success.
• The need for school counselors across the U.S. is growing, which suggests job growth and security for this career field.

The many ways in which this “Show-me State” displays competency in the area of school counseling services is highly commendable. Missouri truly promotes the welfare of their people, including success-ready students looking towards a bright and hopeful future.

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

Whether you are from Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

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