North Dakota School Counselors

It could be said that school counselors in North Dakota are “one and inseparable” when it comes to their mission of educating and guiding the next generation. They share the noble responsibility of school administrators, teachers, parents, and communities, by fostering academic and social excellence for every student.

It is their belief that families, communities, and schools must work together to ensure that students are successful both in school and in society. They believe that collaboration is an integral part of education reforms in the U.S., as well as in their own state. As North Dakota upholds the motto, “Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable,” school counselors also uphold the mission to provide freedom and unity for all students.Truly, North Dakota school counselors are committed to students, families, schools and communities, and are highly valuable in their educational system across the state.

What do North Dakota school counselors do?

Comprehensive school counseling programs, delivered by North Dakota school counselors, are essential to schools in North Dakota and beyond. Because of the great need for school guidance counseling, professionals in this arena are highly valued members of their educational teams.

Here are few things North Dakota school counselors are expected to accomplish within their school systems:

1. Academic and college/career planning

   Through up-to-date programs and activities, school counselors assist students in reaching their academic, career, and personal/social goals. This may include individualized planning, and/or classroom instruction towards higher education goals. School counselors also guide students and their families in searching for the best colleges or universities, as well as scholarship opportunities and financial aid prospects.

2. Future goals and opportunity training

   Whether a student is college-bound or not, North Dakota school counselors provide students with the tools and opportunities to identify strengths, weaknesses, and specialized interests so students and their families can make informed choices to support students in reaching their full potential. Ultimately, school counselors strive to see every student become educated, productive, and well-rounded members of society.

3. Behavioral health promotion

   Through prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery, North Dakota school counselors are trained and equipped to support behavioral health. In-class sessions, as well as student/family guidance, are some of the ways counselors inform, educate, and evaluate potential challenges.

4. Helpful collaboration with teachers, administration, and families

   Working closely with school administration, teachers, students, and parents, school counselors take collaboration seriously. By offering guidance in these areas, they are able to close learning gaps, intervene when conflicts arise, and collaborate effectively to ensure students reach their future goals.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in North Dakota?

School counselors have the opportunity to make a tremendous impact on schools, students, and their families. With this in mind, educators often start their careers as teachers, but move to the profession of school counseling. North Dakota’s licensure system may be an incentive for teachers looking to shift into counseling. For people who love the idea of helping shape America’s youth into positive, productive citizens, the school counseling profession might be the ideal fit.

Here are a few more reasons someone should consider becoming a school counselor in North Dakota:

• School counseling is a stable, rewarding career that helps America’s youth succeed.
• School counselors in North Dakota earn an average salary of $64,250, slightly above the national average.
• The need for school counseling professionals is a growing need in North Dakota, which indicates career stability and growth.
• Most school counselors work full time with summers off, which lends to an ideal schedule for personal travel.

Truly, North Dakota school counselors are a vital part of a whole when it comes to educating and guiding the next generation of students to be prosperous, productive members of society. North Dakota guidance counselors will continue to forge ahead as “one and inseparable” in their efforts to develop new and innovative school counseling programs that ensure the academic and social wellbeing of all students in the state.

Contact schools offering school counseling or mental health counseling programs and learn how you can begin a career as a North Dakota 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

Whether you are from Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

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