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Texas School Counselors
Fostering a positive culture and friendliness, school counselors in Texas create exceptional educational and school counseling systems.
School counselors in Texas work hard to reduce school dropout rates, improve academic performance, and encourage participation in higher education. With grit and determination, these professionals influence students in positive, productive ways to ensure their overall success.
While Texas may be thought of as the ranching capital of the United States, it can also be known as one of the leading states in effective school counseling. As students’ needs continue to increase, school counselors are there to meet those needs and provide the best opportunities throughout the state.
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
#2
Grand Canyon University
M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
#3
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.
#4
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.
In Texas, School Counselors are Getting the Respect and Recognition They Deserve
In schools across Texas, school counselors are making a difference and being recognized by the state for their efforts.
At Copperas Cove ISD, no less than four schools—House Creek Elementary, Martin Walker Elementary, Copperas Cove Jr. High, and Copperas Cove High School—were awarded the CREST (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) Award for Counseling for the 2023-24 school year by the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA).
To earn the CREST Award, schools must show “continued improvement” for their school counseling efforts. Established in 2005, the CREST Award recognizes schools in five categories:
- Introduction to the school and role of the professional school counselor
- Program implementation cycle
- Foundational components
- Four service delivery components
- Program curriculum
According to Melissa Dewald, Counseling Coordinator of Copperas Cove Jr. High, the CREST Award serves as “recognition of the hard work, dedication and innovative approaches we implement to support the whole student.”
Four counseling teams within the Killeen ISD— Harker Heights High School, Gateway High School, Iduma Elementary and Peebles Elementary —also received the CREST Award for the 2023-24 school year.
Dr. Jo-Lynette Crayton, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instructional services revealed that the award reflected the counseling teams’ dedication to supporting the district’s success and well-being. According to Crayton, the work of the school counseling teams within the district create a positive culture by assessing the needs of all students, staff, and their families and nurturing relationships.
And in the Aldine ISD, school counselors of Goodman Elementary received the CREST Award, highlighting their outstanding work toward supporting their students. It was the first time a school in the Aldine ISD was recognized.
What do Texas school counselors do?
The Texas Model for School Counseling Programs provides a developmental framework for school counseling programs and curriculum to include activities that enhance every student’s educational, career, personal, and social development skills.
It’s true that both educators and parents are challenged to help their students towards an even higher level of achievement to meet the demands of an increasingly rigorous curriculum. School counselors are trained to identify these demands and develop programs to guide every type of learner towards academic success.
Here are a few key things a Texas school counselor does:
Assist with college/career planning and readiness
While it is common knowledge that school counselors are there to guide students towards college and career paths, it is less known that school counselors develop individualized programs to help students find the best colleges or universities that fit their strengths and higher education goals. School counselors in Texas work with students and parents to find the best schools, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities. This eliminates wasted time and money while directing students towards the right college and career path.
Maintain a holistic view of the students’ overall academic plans and progress
School counselors have access to student performance in every subject. This includes their academic history, assessments, and test scores. This comprehensive view is then utilized to work with students individually and in small groups to assist them in establishing goals and exploring post-secondary options. By keeping all of these factors in mind, counselors are able to guide students according to their strengths and help them overcome academic weaknesses.
Help students increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal effectiveness and personal safety
As school climates have changed in recent years, more and more emphasis is put on school and student safety. School counselors are trained and equipped to increase student knowledge about safety awareness and preparedness. They are also equipped to offer crisis prevention when needed and are some of the first to respond to emergency events.
Collaborate with teachers, parents, and communities
Texas school counselors are the first to recognize that it takes a team to raise the next generation to be productive members of society. That’s why they work closely with teachers, parents, and their communities to help all students recognize their potential and move forward successfully.
Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Texas?
Job Market Trends
Texas School Counselor Salary (median) 1
$65,660/year
Number of School Counselors Employed 1
32,350
Projected employment growth in Texas 2
14.9% from 2022-2032
For people who enjoy working with youth and would like to make a lasting impact on America’s students, becoming a school counselor might be the perfect fit. Truly, they are invaluable professionals in the state of Texas and beyond.
Here are a few reasons why someone should consider becoming a school counselor in Texas:
- School counselors are recognized professionals within the education system and community.
- The work of a school counselor is high-quality, specialized work that is unique to the trained professional.
- There is a growing need for school counselors in every state, including Texas.
With a spirit of positivity and friendliness, school counselors in the Lone Star State work hard to improve academic performance and encourage participation in higher education. These professionals make a lasting impact on students in positive ways to ensure their success in high school and beyond.
Contact schools offering school counseling or mental health counseling programs and learn how you can begin a career as a Texas school counselor.
Whether you are from Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling to be a highly rewarding and respected career.
1.) May 2024 U.S. 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 May 2025.
2.) School Counselor projections data retrieved from Projections Central, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Data accessed May 2025.