Hawaii School Counselors

It could be said that students in the “Aloha State” are greeted with both professional and compassionate school counseling services that are developmentally appropriate and highly encouraging. According to the Hawai’i Teacher Standards Board, the ultimate goal is for students to become “positive, courageous, confident, competent, and caring human beings.”

With a focus on character development, as well as academic achievement, Hawaii stands out in their mission to guide students through life’s challenges and enrich their lives through comprehensive educational programs.

Not only do Hawaii school counselors promote college/career readiness, they focus on meeting even the most basic needs of each student to ensure they are able to reach their full potential. They are especially sensitive to home/life situations that interfere with academic success. They are trained for and prepared to address the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of students, as well as their academic progress. Nonetheless, Hawaii school counselors are ready to guide every student towards a bright and success future in the “Aloha State” and beyond.

What do Hawaii’s school counselors do?

There is no doubt that professional school counselors face a variety of challenges as they seek to lead the next generation towards productive and fulfilling futures. Here are the roles and expectations of school counselors in Hawaii:

1. They plan, organize, and deliver school comprehensive programs.

   By demonstrating a positive interpersonal relationship with students, parents, and staff, Hawaii school counselors plan and prepare the most effective programs to help every child succeed. From annual assessments to behavioral guidance, as well as college/career planning, successful delivery of these programs are accomplished through hard work and the continuing support of Hawaii’s educational department.

2. They implement a school guidance curriculum through the use of effective instructional skills and careful planning of structured group sessions.

   School counselors in Hawaii are trained to effectively teach classroom sessions such as anti-bullying classes, violence-prevention courses, and safety awareness. By developing instructional strategies, they are more than just guidance counselors, they are, in effect, educators as well.

3. They collaborate with parents and school administration to ensure the effective implementation of the school guidance curriculum.

   With the team effort of parents and staff, school counselors in Hawaii help students establish goals for college and career readiness. By implementing strong study skills, and step-by-step planning, the school counselor collaborates with administration to ensure accurate interpretation of assessment data and implement agreed-upon school guidance curriculum.

4. They act as advocates for students.

   Considered leaders, collaborators, and advocates, Hawaii school counselors promote equity for all students. By using data results to recommend systemic change in school policy, counselors strive to make necessary changes to help every child succeed in their college/career goals. Any programs that limit or inhibit academic achievement are addressed by school counselors and tailored to better help students flourish.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Hawaii?

Apart from the lure of Hawaii’s paradise-like location, those interested in this profession would find Hawaii a great place to start their school counseling career. Here are a few reasons why someone should consider becoming a school counselor in Hawaii:

• Hawaii school counselors play an active role in helping students cope with difficult situations, and teach them strategies to deal with the conflicts that confront them.
• With the growth of its residents, Hawaii’s demand for qualified school counseling professionals has also grown.
• Becoming a school counselor in Hawaii can provide for a stable lifestyle that makes an impact on the lives of the next generation.

While Hawaii school counselors face their own set of unique challenges in the school system, they are dedicated to providing guidance for every student, no matter what the challenge. They are committed to counseling each student with professionalism and compassion, while leading them towards a bright and hopeful future. This “Aloha State” sets a beautiful example of leadership within the education system, as they seek to encourage positivity, courage, and confidence in every student.

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

Whether you are from Hilo on the Big Island, Maui, Honolulu on Oahu or anywhere else across the island state, you will find the school counseling career a highly rewarding and respected career.

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