Connecticut School Counselors

Historically known as the “land on the long tidal river,” Connecticut is a state flowing with new and innovative ideas in the educational department. Having the second-highest concentration of school and career counselors in the United States, Connecticut definitely leads the way for school guidance counseling.

With the belief that all children deserve the best educational opportunities, the Connecticut School Counseling Mission provides the occasion for top academic achievement, college/career readiness, and personal/social development for all students within their system of schools.

Connecticut school administrators provide a solid road map for school counselors, to move students toward higher student achievement. With up-to-date assessment tools and programs, school guidance counselors are better able to promote and support college and career readiness for all students in their state.

What do Connecticut school counselors do?

One of the big misconceptions of school counseling, is that guidance counselors are available only for student evaluation and college direction. This couldn’t be further from the truth. School counselors have the noble responsibility of identifying each student’s strengths and talents and helping them move toward education and career goals that will benefit them most. Not only do they guide students along higher education/career paths, they address social and behavioral issues that might prevent a student from succeeding.

The Connecticut Counselor Board requires prospective school counselors to complete at least 36 clock hours of special education study that includes special-needs children and how to integrate them into the regular classroom. This specialized training is highly beneficial for a variety of reasons, including helping parents and teachers address the individual needs of each student, and helping students of all learning levels thrive in the classroom.

Along with special education study, here are a few general and specific roles of the Connecticut school counselor:

1. They incorporate national counseling principles and a general philosophy of counseling for students of all standing.

2. They have a complete understanding of the psychological and sociological differences related to child behavior and are able to act accordingly.

3. They offer career development practices and skill-building classes.

4. They provide individual and group counseling services for students, faculty, and parents.

5. They administer pupil appraisals and evaluations, with the goal of guiding the student both compassionately and professionally.

6. They offer school-based consultations and interventions as necessary.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Connecticut?

Making a lasting difference in young people’s lives is one big reason to consider becoming a school counselor in the beautiful state of Connecticut. All students, regardless of age, gender, socio-economic status, race, or disability, deserve the best educational guidance to ensure they become productive members of society.

Here are a few great reasons to further consider becoming a school counselor in Connecticut:

• Connecticut school counselors are trained to have a “whole child perspective” and consider the social, behavioral, and educational needs of every student.
• Guidance counselors in Connecticut work from a comprehensive, developmental, and systematic school-counseling framework, which offers substantial support and incentive.

Connecticut cannot be overlooked in its leadership of supportive school counseling services. They’ve worked hard to attain the second-highest concentration of educational and career counselors, and will continue to work hard to grow their programs in the future. As the need for more student guidance grows, other states can look to Connecticut as a strong and valuable example moving forward. This “land on the long tidal river” continues to flow steadily toward a bright future in its school counseling initiative.

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

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