Nebraska School Counselors

With a definitive focus on equality, Nebraska seeks equity of learning for every student within its educational system. This “Cornhusker State” leads the way, not only in agriculture, but on the path for students to achieve college and career readiness while also developing their social/emotional character.

School counselors in Nebraska work tirelessly as advocates, leaders, collaborators, and consultants to create equitable education and success. In full cooperation with each district’s educational goals, they develop comprehensive plans to promote student wellness in every area of life. Nebraska school guidance counselors believe and adhere to the belief that all students have the ability to learn, grow, and achieve.

No matter the ethnicity, social class, or economic status of students, Nebraska school counselors maintain that every student is to be respected, treated with dignity, and have access to comprehensive school counseling programs.

What do Nebraska school counselors do?

The State Board of Education encourages schools to implement a system-wide school counseling program to help establish positive learning environments for all students. The program advocates social/emotional development and teaches the skills and behaviors essential for student academic and career achievement.

Here are a few key things Nebraska school counselors do:

1. They design and implement a comprehensive school counseling program.

   With skill, professionalism, and creativity, Nebraska school counselors are trained to design and implement programs that meet the social, behavioral, and academic needs of every student. In-class sessions, as well as individualized counseling comprise much of the school counselor’s role. By testing the climate of their schools, counselors are able to tailor classes to best meet teachers’ and students’ needs. These classes might include bullying prevention, safety preparedness, and social/emotional instruction for a positive learning environment.

2. They monitor student data to close the gap and promote student achievement at all levels.

   Whether a student is college bound or not, school counselors work hard to assess each child in order to close the educational gap and ensure every student has the best chance at leading a productive life. Be implementing date-driven results, counselors are able to create individualized plans to promote student achievement. They work closely with teachers and parents to ensure no child is left to struggle alone. It is their top priority that all students succeed in the classroom and graduate on time.

3. They provide leadership in direct correlation to the school’s mission.

   Nebraska school counselors are leaders in their schools and communities. They work closely with school officials to ensure they are adhering to policies and procedures. They keep in mind each school’s mission and develop services that uphold that mission for every student. As leaders in the educational system, school counselors are able to promote positive change when necessary, and facilitate new and innovative ideas for every school in the state.

4. They provide responsive services, including small group or individual counseling as necessary.

   School counselors are prepared to respond, even in the most unexpected situations. They are serious about school safety, and provide adequate response services. In the event of a school crisis, counselors are prepared to offer individualized counseling as needed. As part of their comprehensive program, they teach crisis preparedness to both school faculty and students. They are often the first to respond in emergency situations.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Nebraska?

Making a lasting difference in the lives of students is probably the number one reasons school counselors choose the profession. Their services are not only rewarding, but also beneficial to the health of America’s schools.

Here are a few key reasons someone should consider becoming a school counselor in Nebraska:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school and career counselors can look forward to steady job prospects across the country.
• The Nebraska State Board of Education requires that at least one school counselor be employed in each K-12 and secondary school system, which should help maintain high demand for counselors throughout the state.
• Educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors in Nebraska earned a mean annual salary of $61,870 which exceeded the national earnings for this profession.

School counselors in Nebraska are true leaders, advocates, and collaborators for the next generation. They continue to work tirelessly to create equitable education and success. This “Corn Husker State” leads the way by promoting the belief that all students have the ability to learn, grow, and achieve.

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

Whether you are from Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Kearney, Hastings, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

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