Louisiana School Counselors

“Union, justice, and confidence” are the words that lead today’s school counselors in the state of Louisiana. They are highly-trained professionals, uniquely positioned to be student advocates and leaders of renowned educational reform. These academic and social leaders continue to define new directions for their profession, and for Louisiana students, as they navigate through the educational landscape of the 21st century.

The main purpose behind the Louisiana School Counseling Model is to “create one vision and one voice for school counseling programs.” This vision strives to unite school counseling programs across the state, and bring new measures of success to the students of Louisiana. With the potential to unlock new and innovative paths for students and counselors alike, counselors in this “Pelican State” will likely continue to soar to new heights.

Louisiana counselors believe that comprehensive school counseling programs meet the holistic needs of all students, and are a collaborative effort with school administration, parents, and community leaders. By removing barriers to student achievement, school counselors foster the potential for each individual to be a positive, contributing member of society and a lifelong learner.

What do Louisiana school counselors do?

Many people have asked the question, “What do school counselors do exactly?” Perhaps, a more important question is, “How are students different as a result of effective school counseling programs?”

Not only do school counselors in Louisiana seek to facilitate the healthy development of all students in their educational and career paths, they seek to support students’ personal lives through intentional efforts of supportive quality services.

Here are a few key things Louisiana school counselors do:

  1. They invest in individual student planning.

    School counselors in Louisiana coordinate lessons and activities related to students’ individual plans for academic/career and personal/social goals. They take seriously the goals of every student and work hard to implement a plan that best fits their individual strengths. Helping students work towards graduation, while planning and preparing for their future, is the driving force behind what Louisiana school counselors do.

  2. They work hard to offer up-to-date systems and programs.

    Louisiana school counselors engage in broader school improvement efforts and engage with educational leaders to ensure that every school has access to the most effective systems and programs. Always looking for new trends and data-based outcomes, school counselors in Louisiana work hard to provide the best counseling services possible.

  3. They provide responsive services to students and the community.

    School counselors are expected to respond to urgent needs and enable others in the community to respond effectively as well. They offer prevention classes as well as interactive resources to ensure the safety of every student and the quickest, most effective responses to every situation.

  4. They develop comprehensive school counseling curriculums.

    Aligned with up-to-date data results and school-specific needs, Louisiana school counselors develop curriculums that are tailored to fit cultural trends and specific student requirements. Their comprehensive curricula is ever-evolving to meet the modern needs of today’s students.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Louisiana?

Job Market Trends

Louisiana School Counselor Salary (average) 1

$56,050/year

Number of School Counselors Employed 1

6,080

Projected employment growth in Louisiana 2

4.5% from 2018 - 2028

1.) May, 2020 US 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 July, 2021.

2.) School Counselor projections data pulled from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections in collaboration with Louisiana State Employment Projections. Data accessed July, 2021.

When school counselors focus their efforts on the mission of educational reform, they widen academic and career opportunities for every student. Here are a few key reasons why someone should consider becoming a school counselor in Louisiana:

  • The average salary for a school counselor in Louisiana is $56,050 per year.
  • They are highly-valued advocates who strive to help every student experience academic/career success.
  • They are recognized as valuable partners and collaborators in the school system and community.

School counselors in the “Pelican State” are soaring high above the norm. Their efforts towards educational reform and student advocacy are great examples for other states to follow. As they continue to seek new direction for their profession and educational landscape, they are devoted to upholding the Louisiana state motto of “Union, justice, and confidence.” Ultimately, they strive to help every student reach their full potential and become positive, contributing members of society.

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

Whether you are from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Bossier City or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

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