Massachusetts School Counselors

Home of the oldest college in the U.S., as well as the first state to offer public elementary schools and high schools, it could be said that Massachusetts values education and strives to support academic success for students of all ages.

Considering themselves “agents of change,” school counselors in Massachusetts are devoted to being multiculturally competent and committed to social justice in education. It is their top goal to ensure that all students have equal access to the best academic resources and opportunities.

Massachusetts has been a role model in public education for the rest of the U.S. by supporting educators and school counselors in every way. Not only do their counseling programs model academic strength, they model new and innovative ideas towards the establishment of effective educational programs of tomorrow.

What do Massachusetts school counselors do?

A key aspect of school counseling in Massachusetts is to display school leadership by advocating for students. This is accomplished by great efforts to create safe learning environments and supportive counseling programs.

Here are a few key things Massachusetts school counselors do:

1. They offer interpersonal relationship development, as well as social and emotional growth.

   Academics are not the only focus for students in the state of Massachusetts. Counselors look at the whole child to offer the most comprehensive support for both education and social/emotional wellbeing. By offering interpersonal relationship development courses, Massachusetts school counselors ensure that all students learn how to relate to teachers, peers, and people in their communities. They strive to engage students to be responsible, productive members of society, while offering full social/emotional support.

2. They offer educational and career advice, while supporting academic improvement.

   Massachusetts’ students are first in the United States in reading and math , and their success is a direct result of the hard work of teachers, counselors, school staff, and their families. School counselors make education and career advice a top priority and work hard to ensure all students are allowed the opportunity to reach their full academic potential.

3. They work collaboratively to shape student development both at the individual level and the classroom level.

   Not only do Massachusetts students get individualized guidance for their college/career goals, they get classroom instruction that addresses major issues and challenges. Some class sessions include, bullying prevention, violence prevention, safety, and the importance of higher learning. School counselors work collaboratively with the education department and community leaders to help shape student development in the most effective ways possible.

4. They stand as advocates for students within the school system, family unit, and community.

   There is, perhaps, no greater role for school counselors than to stand as advocates for students. Within their schools, their families, and their communities, Massachusetts counselors make sure every student has a caring and professional adult to listen and guide them towards their best future.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Massachusetts?

If you have the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of adolescents and their families, as well as work with students towards successful academic and social goals, a career in school counseling may be what you’re looking for.

Here are a few reasons why someone should consider becoming a school counselor in the state of Massachusetts:

• Massachusetts school counselors typically earn $5,000 to $10,000 more each year than teachers.
• While Massachusetts does not require students to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a particular field, relevant majors include counseling, psychology, or sociology.
• School counselors are given more opportunity to use their expertise in collaboration with other education experts in developing curriculum and educational programs.
• The Massachusetts’ school counseling profession is a highly rewarding career that shows promise in job security as well as salary levels long into the future.

These “agents of change” in the Massachusetts school system are also agents of student advocacy and wellbeing. School counselors in this state continue to lead the way in academic success and multicultural competency. Their commitment to social justice and equal opportunity for every student cannot be overlooked. School counseling in Massachusetts looks to be a promising and rewarding profession for many years to come.

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

Whether you are from Boston, Wolcester, Springfield, Lowell, Cambridge, Brockton or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

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