New Mexico School Counselors

The “Land of Enchantment” is a well-known leader in energy research and development in the nuclear, solar, and geothermal fields. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that New Mexico also displays innovative leadership in their school counseling programs and efforts towards student achievement.

With the state motto “It grows as it goes,” school counselors in New Mexico strive to grow in the educational space through comprehensive guidance counseling. With the immovable belief that school counseling ought to be an integral part of a student’s educational environment, school counselors are highly valued and much-needed in this “Land of Enchantment.”

In the past two decades, much of America’s education policy has narrowed its focus to standardized tests and accountability metrics, often leaving out the social and emotional development of students. Today, policymakers and educators are emphasizing the value of supporting the whole child, by preparing students to be productive and happy citizens as they graduate high school and move into college/career fields.

What do New Mexico school counselors do?

While school counselors in New Mexico are collaborative members of an educational team, they also work independently to offer individualized assistance to students and their families.

Here are a few key things New Mexico school counselors do:

1. Assist with social and personal development

   Not only do students need academic guidance, they need social and behavioral direction as well. School counselors are available to assist students with social issues and emotional challenges that may arise. They are trained to identify social obstacles and provide counseling resources for healthy personal development.

2. Work with students to develop skills such as organization, time management, and effective study habits

   One of the biggest struggles for students is developing and maintaining effective study habits and organizational skills. School counselors in New Mexico offer tools and instruction to help with time management and organization so that students are prepared for college and career fields.

3. Help students set realistic academic and career goals and develop a plan to achieve them

   Whether a student is headed for college, trade school, or the workforce, school counselors are there to help them set realistic goals and find the best plan moving forward. This helps eliminate frustrating obstacles that can waste both time and money.

4. Evaluate students’ abilities and interests through aptitude assessments and interviews

   Assessing students’ strengths and weaknesses is key in guiding them towards the right college/career paths. New Mexico school counselors use date-driven results to form individualized plans for every student. These up-to-date tests and assessments allow school counselors to identify challenges that might interfere with academic success, and make plans for every student to receive the help needed.

5. Develop strategies with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students succeed

   School counselors are especially trained to help every student succeed, by implementing learning strategies and techniques. They encourage teachers, administrators, and parents to inspire academic achievement. This is a collaborative effort that remains a top priority for school guidance counselors in New Mexico.

6. Teach classes on topics such as bullying, drug abuse, and school safety

   New Mexico school counselors are not only standby resources for students, but educators as well. They are trained to develop and teach classes on bullying prevention, drug and alcohol abuse, and school safety procedures.

Why should someone consider becoming a school counselor in New Mexico?

School counselors are typically social individuals, which means they’re kind, cooperative, patient, helpful, empathetic, and friendly. With these strengths, they are highly valuable professionals in the educational system. For these reasons, becoming a school counselor is a prized profession.

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

• They excel at helping America’s youth succeed.
• They are enterprising, confident, and optimistic, which are terrific examples for the next generation.
• They generally work full time and have summers off when school is not in session.
• Their profession is necessary and growing for the advancement of New Mexico’s educational success.

Ultimately, school counseling ought to be an integral part of every student’s educational environment. New Mexico places top importance on meeting the need of every child in the state by offering comprehensive services and guidance. This “Land of Enchantment” will continue to promote the health and wellbeing of students by growing their school counseling programs and promoting student achievement.

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

Whether you are from Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Roswell, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

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