Maine School Counselors

School counselors in Maine are not merely independent professionals who work alone, but are vital members of the educational leadership team in the “Pine Tree State.” They play a vital role in maximizing student potential through academic and social achievement. Advocacy for every student, as well as collaboration with parents and staff, are their top priorities.

In order to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment, Maine’s school counselors work tirelessly with families, teachers, administrators and the community to address the needs of all students no matter what background or challenges. They promote equity and equal access to the best, most comprehensive guidance programs for students in every school. This northeastern state truly leads the way for academic excellence and student advocacy.

What do Maine school counselors do?

Promoting professionalism and ethical practices for the implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs, Maine school counselors are vital members of the educational system.

Here are a few key things Maine school counselors do as part of their profession:

  1. They support individual student academic planning and goal setting.

    No matter what a student’s goals are, school counselors in Maine offer support for academic/career planning and direction for their future. Regular assessments and counseling sessions are provided to create the most effective plans moving forward. Students in the state of Maine receive individualized planning towards graduation and beyond. No matter what a student’s strengths or future goals are, they can count on receiving full support of school guidance counselors.

  2. They deliver classroom lessons aligned with state and national standards.

    Not only do Maine’s school counselors guide students academically, they teach fundamental classes that promote higher learning and success. In alignment with state and national standards, counselors provide classroom sessions for college/career readiness, violence prevention, bullying prevention and more.

  3. They provide short-term counseling and make referrals for long-term support for students.

    No student is left without proper school guidance in the state of Maine. With compassion and professionalism, school counselors are trained to provide short-term counseling and make referrals for long-term support when needed. Every student has access to a qualified school counselor who will listen with care and compassion and guide with instruction and professionalism.

  4. They analyze data to identify student issues, needs, and challenges.

    Using data-driven results, Maine school counselors are able to identify student issues and develop counseling programs that will address specific needs and challenges. Working closely with parents, school officials, and other school counselors, systems are put in place to effectively handle issues that may arise.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Maine?

Job Market Trends

Maine School Counselor Salary (average) 1

$56,500/year

Number of School Counselors Employed 1

1,150

Projected employment growth in Maine 2

-0.8% 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 Maine State Employment Projections. Data accessed July, 2021.

Not only do school counselors provide support for students to become life-long learners and critical thinkers, they address students’ needs across the academic, social, and career domains.

Here are a few more reasons why school counseling is so important, and why someone should consider becoming a school counselor in Maine.

  • School counselors are strong allies for students. They are bridge-builders and advocates for every child.
  • Maine has a significant amount of room to spread funding around to the most necessary places in public education.

Ultimately, Maine’s school counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student potential through academic/career and social/behavioral achievement. These leaders across the “Pine Tree State” are recognized as valuable team members of the educational system and their community at large. They continue to work tirelessly for the success of every student through High School and beyond.

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

Whether you are from Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, Augusta, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

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