Minnesota School Counselors

It was Minnesota native, and author F. Scott Fitzgerald, a who once penned the words, “Action is character”. This simple quote adequately describes Minnesota’s school counselors who are actively helping students make decisions that affect their personal and academic development. This “North Star State,” not only shines brightly in America’s educational system, it points students upward and onward, towards a bright educational future.

School counselors in the state of Minnesota actively promote excellence in the profession of school counseling by providing leadership, advocacy, support, and resources needed to ensure student success in school, at home, and around the global community.

Truly, these professionals strive to meet the needs of every student in Minnesota to ensure academic and social success. They take seriously the words, “Action is character”, by taking action on behalf of every student in the state. They portray admirable character by tirelessly working to support students in their academic and social endeavors.

What do Minnesota school counselors do?

Gone are the days when school counselors sat in their offices waiting for conflict to arise. Today’s school counselors are proactive in many areas of a student’s life. They not only address college and career goals, they implement class instruction and individual counseling services.

Here are a few key things Minnesota school counselors do:

1. They guide students towards college/career readiness, as well as inform students of potential trade jobs in the workforce.

   Not every student is geared towards college after high school. School counselors identify students who plan to learn trades and may need technical classes instead of academic ones. For those students who are college-bound, Minnesota school counselors help wade through the options and guide them towards the best colleges and universities for their future career goals.

2. They work with school administration, educators, and parents.

   Minnesota counselors aren’t solo entities flying alone. They work closely with parents, teachers, and school administrators to ensure they are developing and implementing the best counseling services for each student. This may include attending staff meetings, setting up family counseling sessions, or working with teachers in the classroom.

3. They watch for signs of problems at home and intercede when needed.

   School counselors are trained to identify struggling students who may be facing insurmountable challenges at home. They work compassionately and professionally to communicate with students and determine if intercession is necessary.

4. They evaluate students’ academic needs, and teach on topics such as bullying, violence, and school safety.

   By taking regular assessments of student needs, school counselors are able to provide necessary instruction on bullying, violence-prevention, and safety within the school walls. Their training is invaluable to students and school staff for the wellbeing of everyone involved.

5. They sometimes provide drug-and-alcohol abuse sessions and/or conflict-resolution sessions.

   In the instance of drug or alcohol abuse, school counselors provide conflict resolution for students and families. They work hard to offer education regarding harmful substances, and provide services to help students struggling in this area.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in Minnesota?

Every day, school counselors make a lasting difference in students’ lives. While not the easiest profession in the educational system, it may very-well be the most fulfilling.

Here are a few reasons why someone should consider becoming a school counselor in Minnesota:

• The average salary for a school counselor in Minnesota is $61,220 per year.
• Minnesota maintains multiple tiers of guidance counselor licensure, each of which holds different requirements.
• Like no other person in the educational system, school counselors in Minnesota build trusting relationships with students and other members of the school community.

School counselors in the “North Star State” continue to point upward and onward by guiding a student’s success at home, at school, and in their communities. If action truly does equal character, Minnesota school counselors are some of the best examples. Other U.S. states would benefit greatly by following the leadership of Minnesota’s dedicated school counseling services.

The rewards for great Minnesota school counselors fill lives with joy and last a lifetime.

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

Whether you are from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Bloomington, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

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