The Role of School Counselors

Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Middle school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe, respectful learning environment whereby young adolescents can maximize personal and academic achievement.

Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.

Middle school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.

 - American School Counselor Association (2020)

Individual Student Planning

• Class selection & scheduling

• Academic advising

• Career interests & professional development

• Academic and personal goal setting

Responsive Services - Individual and Small Group Counseling

• Study skills/organization

• Friendship & social skills

• Divorce

• Grief & loss

• Self esteem & self efficacy

• Anger management & conflict resolution

• Anxiety & stress management

Classroom Counseling Lessons

• Social emotional learning standards

• Bullying & sexual harrassment prevention

• Depression & suicide

• Study skills/organization

System Support

• Data collection & analysis for interventions

• Evaluation and restructuring of services and counseling program

• Grade level team meetings and support

• Student services team meetings and support