Arkansas School Counselors

Arkansas may be famous for having the only active diamond mine in America, but there are plenty of gems to be had elsewhere – namely, in the state’s K-12 school system. Arkansas’ well-trained and highly educated school counselors are a valuable component of the state’s educational system, providing educational, career, and personal counseling services to students until they reach graduation.

School guidance counselors are always familiar with the latest cultural and educational trends and are committed to implementing the latest research and staying connected with students at all educational, social, and cultural levels.

Along with the major national school counseling organizations, the Arkansas School Counselor Association empowers professional school counselors with the knowledge, skills, connections, and resources needed to succeed in the state of Arkansas and beyond. They gather and disseminate the most relevant data and information to school counselors across the state and provide a community where counselors can connect with their peers and achieve success in the workplace.

What do Arkansas school counselors do?

Not only do Arkansas school counselors identify struggling students, they arm them with the tools and skills needed to meet the necessary educational milestones required to graduate. They also direct students toward college and career planning and help them select a path that meets their personal strengths and interests. From individual counseling to classroom sessions, Arkansas school counselors are dedicated to ensuring all students have what they need to succeed.

Here are a few services provided by Arkansas’ school guidance counselors:

1. Behavioral management

   Because each student has their own set of unique issues, Arkansas school counselors are trained to identify emotional/behavioral concerns and address them with the utmost care and consistency.

2. Student evaluation

   Part of the evaluation program for Arkansas students requires determining their strengths and helping them overcome educational/social issues. Arkansas school counselors are dedicated to helping students mature both academically and socially throughout their elementary and secondary school years. They are skilled in up-to-date evaluations that take into consideration the whole student—academically, behaviorally, and socially.

3. Basic counseling principles

   The Arkansas Guidance and School counseling staff works hard to implement a comprehensive school counseling program that is modeled after the American School Counselor Association. They adhere to both state and national standards, with adequate accountability to both students and the school in which they work.

4. Individual student planning

   Helping parents and students find the best and most direct path to academic success is part of the Arkansas school counselor’s job. They are competent in identifying a student’s strengths and matching their abilities for specific career paths.

5. Responsive action

   In the event of an emergency or heightened alert situation, Arkansas school counselors are on hand to ensure the safety and well-being of students. They provide support for school staff, students, and parents and are trained to handle even the most difficult of situations.

6. School system support

   If a student is struggling in the classroom environment, Arkansas school counselors act as liaisons between the school system and the student’s family. Their services include gathering facts, forming objective views, and offering suggestions on how best to proceed.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Arkansas?

To become an Arkansas school counselor, you must earn a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. It’s a lofty endeavor, but the benefits are plentiful.

Here are a few great reasons to consider school counseling in Arkansas:

• The median salary for school counselors in Arkansas is $60,110.
• There is potential for even more earnings, (over $81,920), depending on counseling levels (early career, mid-level, senior).
• They have the opportunity to teach students on individualized topics such as bullying, drug-abuse, and career goals.
• They are equipped to work with educators and help them develop strategies for success in the classroom.

Arkansas school counselors are some of the most respected professionals in the educational system and are valued by educators, parents, and students alike.

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

1.) May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job market and salary figures for Educational, Guidance and Career Counselors and Advisors represents state data not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.

2.) School Counselor projections data retrieved from Projections Central, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Data accessed May 2025.

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