Arkansas School Counselors

While the state of Arkansas may be famous for the only active diamond mine in America, this state is not only rich in precious gems, it hosts a wealth of well-trained and highly educated school counselors.

With the ever-evolving climate of public school systems in the U.S., school guidance counselors must stay up-to-date with the latest cultural and educational trends. The Arkansas school counseling program is at the forefront of implementing the latest research and staying connected with students at all educational, social, and cultural levels.

Along with the major national school counseling organizations, the Arkansas School Counselor Association empowers professional school counselors with the knowledge, skills, connections, and resources needed to succeed in the state of Arkansas and beyond. They pride themselves in researching and obtaining the most relevant information in order to equip school counselors with the highest skill of professionalism.

What do Arkansas school counselors do?

Not only do Arkansas school counselors identify struggling students, they encourage them to meet the required and necessary educational milestones needed to graduate. They also direct students in college and career planning by helping them select the right path according to their specific interests and strengths. From individual work to classroom sessions, Arkansas school counselors are dedicated to every student and their individual needs.

Here are a few more services provided by Arkansas school guidance counselors:

1. Behavioral management

   Because each student has their own set of unique issues, Arkansas school counselors are trained to identify emotional/behavioral concerns and address them with the utmost care and consistency.

2. Student evaluation

   Part of the evaluation program for Arkansas students is to determine their strengths and help them overcome educational/social issues. Arkansas school counselors are dedicated to helping students mature both academically and socially throughout their elementary and secondary school years. They are skilled in up-to-date evaluations that take into consideration the whole student-academically, behaviorally, and socially.

3. Basic counseling principles

   The Arkansas Guidance and School counseling staff works hard to implement a comprehensive school counseling program that is modeled after the American School Counselor Association. They adhere to both state and national standards, with adequate accountability to both the student and the school in which they work.

4. Individual student planning

   Helping parents and students find the best and most direct path to academic success is part of the Arkansas school counselor’s job. They are competent in identifying a student’s strengths, as well as measuring those abilities toward ideal career paths.

5. Responsive action

   In the event of an emergency or heightened alert situation, Arkansas school counselors are at the front of the pack in offering responsive action. They provide support for school staff, students, and parents, and are trained to handle even the most difficult of situations.

6. School system support

   On the occasion that a student is struggling in their particular classroom environment, Arkansas school counselors act as liaisons between the school system and the student’s family. Diligently, they gather facts, form objective views, and offer suggestions on how best to proceed.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Arkansas?

While it’s required to have a master’s degree in counseling, or a related field, when applying to become an Arkansas school counselor, most find it is well-worth the time and education.

Here are a few great reasons to consider school counseling in Arkansas:

• The average salary for school counselors in Arkansas is $55,860.
• There is potential for even more earnings, (over $83,000), depending on counseling levels (Starter, Junior, Mid-level, Senior).
• They have the opportunity to teach students on individualized topics such as bullying, drug-abuse, and career goals.
• They are equipped to develop strategies with teachers and help them be more successful in the classroom.

While Arkansas requires a minimum of 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours, in order to be considered for school guidance counseling, most will find the state standards well-worth it.

There are more than just a few hidden gems within this diamond state, as Arkansas school counselors truly are some of the most valuable resources for educators, parents, and students alike.

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

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