What is an Educational Counselor?
An educational counselor provides academic, personal and therapeutic support for a broad array of students. This job leverages counseling concepts and psychology tools to promote student development and facilitate student success.
They may spend a portion of their time in individual counseling sessions or in group sessions through workshop programs and campus outreach activities.
Main Responsibilities
Educational counselors encourage, intervene and advocate for students experiencing personal, academic and other developmental difficulties. Most educational counselors work in K-12 public schools and collaborate with school staff, teachers and psychologists. These educational counselors provide general guidance faculty support to help diverse students be successful in the classroom. The most common problems include anxiety, home life, study skills and stress
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This could include degrees in psychology, counseling and social work. School staff and administrators may transition into their career, but they usually obtain credentials through national certification bodies. Most employers prefer candidates who are bilingual with a background in licensed therapy. Educational counselors who work in public schools will need knowledge of special needs, foster care and disadvantaged students.
Educational counselors who work in colleges should have academic training in student admissions, support services, career plans and financial aid. They should have familiarity with academic advising and assessment. These educational counselors should firmly understand career guidance, resources and techniques. They should also know financial aid options, barriers and procedures. Educational counselors may need training and experience in providing individualized advising to either child, teenage or adult populations.
The Challenges of Educational