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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.
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
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.
#2
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.
#3
USC - Rossier School of Education
Become a professional school counselor in K-12 settings with an online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling from top-ranked USC Rossier School of Education. Complete in as few as 20 months. Click here to contact USC Rossier School of Education and request information about their programs.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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?
Career Illuminated
Georgia School Counselor Salary:
$63,500/year * Source: bls.gov May, 2018
Projected employment growth:
Increase at a rate of 19.3% from 2016 - 2026
Source: bls.gov
* Mean salary based on state bls data and national delta between elementary/secondary school industry and all industries
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
- UMass Online (Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling – NEASC and State-Approved program)