Maryland School Counselors

Maryland, nicknamed the “Old Line State,” may historically be known for holding the lines on the battlefield, but they are also known for holding the lines of modern school counseling across the state. Perhaps, more than ever, students are facing a number of stressors in school, at home, and in the community. Maryland school counselors play a vital role in supporting and defending the next generation, by guiding them into a solid academic and social future.

While school counselors still offer plenty of academic guidance, today’s counselors do a lot more than you might imagine. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA), breaks down the school counseling profession into three areas:

• Academic
• Personal-Social
• Career Post-Secondary

What you may not realize, is that Maryland school counselors are not only involved in individual student guidance, they also help teachers and staff handle whatever issues may arise. Maryland school counselors have also been known to counsel parents and families, and, at times, help shape school policy.

As a certified Maryland school counselor, you have the chance to help students navigate the complex waters of early childhood and adolescence so they can make the most of their education. Truly, these professionals “hold the line” for Maryland students in the education system.

What do Maryland school counselors do?

The goal of any school counselor is to address the needs of the whole child so that each student has the opportunity to be educated, healthy, and successful. Maryland school counselors do a great job of guiding the whole child and supporting them in various ways.

Here’s what Maryland school counselors are expected to do:

1. They are to promote student academic success and well-being.

   Not only do Maryland school counselors focus on college/career readiness, they address emotional, social, and behavioral challenges in order to promote the health and well being of every student.

2. They are to enhance awareness of mental health, promote positivity, and encourage healthy behaviors.

   With professionalism and intentionality, Maryland school counselors make students aware of social and behavioral pitfalls that may get in the way of academic success. They strive to help students live their best lives both inside and outside of school.

3. They are to provide both school-based prevention and targeted interventions for students and staff.

   Classroom sessions are offered for bullying prevention, violence prevention, and abuse intervention scenarios. While not easy subjects to teach, Maryland counselors do what it takes to ensure the safety and well-being of every student.

4. They are to promote systemic change through the use of leadership skills, advocacy, and collaboration.

   Advocacy is at the top of the list for professional school counselors. Guiding students to develop leadership skills that will carry them through High School and beyond is at the heart of what Maryland counselors do. Through collaboration with parents, faculty, and the community, they promote systemic change for the state’s educational goals.

5. They are to provide equitable access to a rigorous education for all students.

   No student is forgotten in Maryland’s education system, as counselors ensure equitable access to curriculum and rigorous education for all students. They work hard to bridge gaps and stay ahead of potential academic pitfalls.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Maryland?

With the noble mission to make a lasting impact on students in America, school counselors are vital to the education system. Here are few reasons someone should consider becoming a school counselor in Maryland:

• The Maryland Counselor Board does not require a specific major at the undergraduate level.
• The average salary for a School Counselor is $72,720/year in Maryland.

Professional school counselors in this “Old Line State” play a vital role in guiding the next generation and supporting the whole child to be successful, educated, and well-rounded citizens. They truly are some of the most needed and valued advocates in the beautiful state of Maryland.

Maryland school counseling is a blossoming career with many opportunities. Learn more about the career and find out how rewarding this career can be for your life.

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

Whether you are from Baltimore, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Annapolis, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

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