Hawaii Links
How to Become a Hawaii School Counselor
Where are you on your quest to become a Hawaii School Counselor?
Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Hawaii. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, contact your school counseling education program advisor or the Hawaii Department of Education Office of Talent Management’s Teacher Recruitment at (808) 441-8444.
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
#2
Grand Canyon University
M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
#3
New York University (NYU)
NYU Steinhardt's accredited master of arts program in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling. Through this online program, you will gain the skills you need to become a professional Pre-K-12 school counselor, working with children and families in your community to foster academic achievement and success. Click here to contact New York University and request information about their programs.
#4
University of Denver
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
I’m a High School Graduate…
As a high school graduate, you are in a fantastic position to begin thinking about your career. Now is the time to take classes in school psychology and counseling, earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and decide whether a career as a Hawaii school counselor is right for you. Consider taking the following steps to jumpstart a career in school counseling:
Step One:
Gather information from schools offering associate degree programs or bachelor degree programs in psychology, counseling, or a similar field. It is not imperative you enroll in a counseling program at this point, only that you begin working toward a bachelor’s degree.
Step Two:
Volunteering is a great learn more about careers in the social services. The following organizations provide a variety of exciting volunteer experiences working with children and adolescents:
- Aloha United Way
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Hawaii
- Mentoring is a fantastic way to donate some of your time while boosting your resume.
- Hawaii Public Schools Database
- Use this link to find public school listings, contact information and school websites. Find schools near you and request information on any volunteering opportunities for a high school graduate.
School counseling in Hawaii is a socially responsible and highly rewarding career. So, enjoy exploring the field and learning more about becoming a counselor in Hawaii as you earn your undergraduate education.
I have already earned a college degree…
The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Hawaii:
Step One:
Fulfill educational requirements through one of the following avenues:
Step Two:
You will need to make sure your school counseling program provides opportunities for the completion of a practicum experience and internship.
Step Three:
You must take and pass the following Praxis exams by your fourth year of employment.
- Praxis I Pre Professional Skills Test (PPST)
- Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching
- Praxis II School Counseling and Guidance
Step Four:
You must have official transcripts from your counseling education institution sent to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB).
Step Five:
You must submit an application for certification through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board online portal.
School counseling is a highly demanding yet also highly rewarding profession. Hawaii school counselors enjoy a higher salary than the average educator and tend to have more influence on the direction of curriculum and educational programs.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
Hawaii recognizes comparable school counseling certifications from other states. In order to attain your Hawaii school counselor certification, you will need to complete the directions and application indicated on the following webpage: HTSB Out-of-state certification.