Texas School Counselors

Texas, also known as “The Lone Star State”, prides itself on positive culture and friendliness. This attitude is definitely carried over into the 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.

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.

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:

  1. 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.

  2. Maintain a holistic view of the students’ overall academic plans and progress

    School counselors have access to students’ 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 student’s according to their strengths, while helping them overcome academic weaknesses.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 (average) 1

$59,860/year

Number of School Counselors Employed 1

25,960

Projected employment growth in Texas 2

14.3% 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 Texas State Employment Projections. Data accessed July, 2021.

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 eduction 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 a highly rewarding and respected career.

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