Georgia School Counselors

School counseling programs in the state of Georgia, are rock-solid in their mission to lead Georgia’s youth towards a steady and successful future. Home of the beautiful Stone Mountain, which is known for being the largest piece of exposed granite in the world, Georgia also boasts strong academic leadership as it promotes career-bound students across the state.

Georgia’s school guidance counselors help students achieve their goals on multiple levels. They lead by setting an example, implementing rigorous educational ideals, and fostering a community of support.

The Georgia Department of Education has played an integral role in developing pathways for students, which school guidance counselors can utilize to help students navigate their way to college and career readiness.

School counselors in Georgia also address social and emotional issues, such as bullying and suicide vulnerability. Not only do they possess academic and emotional counseling skills, they are equipped with coaching abilities as they train the next generation for success.

What do Georgia’s school counselors do?

School counselors in Georgia design and deliver comprehensive programs and services that promote student achievement all across the state. Their programs focus on graduation/college, workforce/career, and social/behavioral curriculum that is delivered through classroom sessions, individualized plans, and parent/student meetings.

Here are a few key things Georgia’s school counselors are expected to implement:

1. Utilize the College and Career Ready Performance Index.

   In Georgia, educators are equipped with the College and Career Ready Performance Index, (CCRPI), as a way to promote college and career readiness throughout the state. School counselors utilize this index for accountability, communication, and overall program improvement. This is part of the national Every Student Succeeds Act, (ESSA), and is intended to be a measure of each student’s progress and performance.

2. Offer professional guidance as an official school counselor.

   With compassion and professionalism, Georgia school counselors conduct themselves in a way that is both personable and instructional. They establish themselves as leaders in the educational community and are relied upon for guidance both socially and academically.

3. Provide a variety of educational services to ALL students.

   From teaching specific classes, to meeting with students and parents to form individualized plans, Georgia school counselors are flexible in their services. The great thing is, all students are able to benefit from these services, whether they are college-bound or not.

4. Commit to participating in the school improvement process.

   There is always room for improvement in the department of education, and school counselors are at the forefront of finding ways to make schools and services even better. Not only do Georgia school counselors seek to provide up-to-date programs for students, they work to create strong programs within the educational department as a whole.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Georgia?

The impact Georgia school counselors have on students cannot be overlooked. They have the privilege and opportunity to lead kids on a path of individual success. While the school counseling career choice isn’t for everyone, here are a few main reasons someone should consider school counseling in Georgia:

• They make, on average, over $63,000 per year.
• They provide access to comprehensive programs that advocate and affirm all students from diverse populations.
• They help students feel safe in their school environment-free from abuse, bullying, neglect, harassment or other forms of violence.

Not only are Georgia’s school counselors leaders in the education system, they are leaders in the community as well. It could be said that Georgia school counselors wear many hats, as they teach, coach and guide pupils and their families towards the best college/career choices. Their rock-solid systems and programs provide a firm path for all students to eventually reach the peak of their potential.

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

• Capella University Master of Science (MS) in Human Services – School Counseling Specialization – CACREP and State Approved ^**
• New York University (NYU) Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance – School Counseling and Bilingual School Counseling – MPCAC Accredited
• Grand Canyon University (GCU) Master of Education (MEd) School Counseling - leads to initial licensure

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