New York School Counselors

“Ever Upward” is the state motto that may adequately describe the innovative ideas and programs of New York school counselors. These professionals in the “Empire State” purpose to help students excel in education by removing all barriers to learning. This includes the development of long-term planning for post-secondary education and career plans, as well as consideration for the health and wellbeing of the whole child.

The New York State Education Department amended the school counseling regulations in an effort to help increase opportunities for all students to be successful. With a focus on “Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child,” New York enforces a multi-tiered model to promote positive school climates and improve student outcomes.

What do New York school counselors do?

School counselors in New York emphasize a positive school climate that promotes school safety, student self-esteem, emotional well-being, and college/career guidance.

Here are few more key roles school counselors in New York fulfill:

1. They develop programs and activities for student progress and safety.

   School counselors develop and implement program activities that address aspects of a student’s progress and instill values such as the importance of good attendance, strong study skills, and college preparation. They also promote safety by teaching student awareness, violence prevention, and crisis instruction. New York school counselors are considered developmental leaders in the educational system.

2. They build upon existing resources to combat harassment, bullying, and discrimination.

   With ongoing school climates across the United States that deal with prejudice and discrimination, New York school counselors work hard to combat negative behaviors and influences within their school systems. By building upon existing guidance practices, counselors are proactive in warding off harassment, bullying and discrimination of any kind.

3. They provide opportunities for each student’s educational progress, including social/emotional development, and college/career planning.

   Every student deserves the opportunity to research and plan for their future college and career goals. School counselors provide those opportunities and resources so that students are able to identify their interests and strengths and move forward accordingly. Along with academic achievement and higher education promotion, New York school counselors address emotional and social obstacles that may interfere with continued learning. They also guide college-bound students through the college application process and financial aid/scholarship opportunities.

4. They implement comprehensive evaluation methods.

   Using data analysis of testing and program results, school counselors are able to implement individualized counseling based on students’ scores and evaluation. This ensures that educators are able to close the gap between students who are high achievers and student that require more learning support. Overall, it is a top goal for New York school counselors to close the learning gap and provide equal academic opportunity for every student.

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

Fostering a love for learning and inspiration towards college and career readiness, school counselors are vital to the New York educational system. Not only that, school counseling professionals are advocates for students’ social and emotional health as well.

Here are a few key reasons someone should consider becoming a school counselor in New York:

• There are growing opportunities for school counselors to utilize their training and profession, not only in schools but in their communities.
• The need for more school counselors is present and growing, which means there will be more job opportunities and job security for these professionals.

New York school counselors are moving “Ever Upward” in their goals of reaching every student in the state with comprehensive counseling. Their “Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child” initiative will continue to lead the way in comprehensive counseling programs and strategies moving forward. These school counseling professionals are definitely leaders in the educational community, and ought to be applauded for their valiant efforts in shaping the next generation of students into well rounded, productive members of society.

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

Whether you are from New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany, or anywhere else across the state, you will find school counseling a highly rewarding and respected career.

Back to the top