Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for teacher counselors in the United States
Teacher counselor job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected teacher counselor job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 32,400 new jobs for teacher counselors are projected over the next decade.
Teacher counselor salaries have increased 3% for teacher counselors in the last 5 years.
There are over 138,233 teacher counselors currently employed in the United States.
There are 83,305 active teacher counselor job openings in the US.
The average teacher counselor salary is $45,362.
Are teacher counselor jobs in demand?
Teacher counselor job and salary trends over time
Teacher counselor jobs over time
Teacher counselor job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 138,233 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 134,868 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 133,043 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 129,024 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 123,173 | 0.04% |
Average teacher counselor salary over time
Teacher counselor salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $45,362 | $21.81 | +6.6% |
| 2024 | $42,557 | $20.46 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $41,764 | $20.08 | --2.9% |
| 2022 | $42,993 | $20.67 | --2.2% |
| 2021 | $43,965 | $21.14 | --2.6% |
Teacher counselor jobs by state
Most common states for teacher counselors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 203 | 29% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,532 | 22% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 220 | 16% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 926 | 15% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 835 | 15% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 149 | 15% |
| 7 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,747 | 14% |
| 8 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,251 | 14% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 774 | 14% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 148 | 14% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 362 | 12% |
| 12 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 255 | 12% |
| 13 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,391 | 11% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 897 | 11% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 713 | 11% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 63 | 11% |
| 17 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 2,036 | 10% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 747 | 10% |
| 19 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 304 | 10% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 65 | 10% |
Teacher Counselor job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of teacher counselor experts
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Oklahoma State University
Adelphi University
Governors State University
Saint Xavier University
Western Illinois University
Texas Woman's University
Louisiana State University at Shreveport
University of New Orleans
Concordia University Irvine
Nicholls State University
Presbyterian College
Augsburg University
The George Washington University
George Fox University
Dr. Leonard Harsy
Assistant ProfessorWhat will help Teacher Counselors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Leonard Harsy: In Illinois school counselors do not need teaching experience in order to become a school counselor. However, teachers have the advantage of demonstrated experience of working with kids in a school environment. They often have a better understanding of school culture. It can put non-licensed teachers at a disadvantage in the job market. Prospective candidates without teaching experience should be able to point to other non-teaching experience where they have worked with children. They can also bring other desirable credentials. For instance, if they have taken the courses to become a licensed professional counselor or classes in addiction, or though ASCA U, they may have some background that teachers do not. I've taught and hired a number of non-teachers that brought with them other skills and talents.
Wendy Hoskins Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Associate Department ChairUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Student Counseling And Personnel Services
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wendy Hoskins Ph.D.: Get excited! Everyday will be different, new and challenging. But the work you do is invaluable to the individuals you will help. Counselors who choose to work in schools are on the front lines in assisting K-12 students in a variety of ways in the areas of Social Emotional, Academic, and Career. Students may be in a school environment, but they bring all their human issues in with them. Counselors need to find ways to be available to students before, during, and after school and be prepared for anything. Every day at a school can be different and plans can change. Counselors need to be flexible, and be ready to assess the needs of the student population in their school to best attend to varying needs. Counselors also need to make sure to practice self care and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We must take care of ourselves in order to best be available to our students and their families. This is vital.
What general advice would you give to a Teacher Counselor?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Education and Credentials: Invest in obtaining advanced degrees and relevant certifications that enhance your qualifications and marketability. A master's or doctoral degree in counseling psychology, along with licensure or certification in your jurisdiction, can significantly increase your earning potential. Specialization and Niche Expertise: Develop expertise in specialized areas of counseling psychology that are in demand or command higher fees. Consider focusing on niche populations, such as children and adolescents, trauma survivors, couples therapy, family therapy and acquire specialized training or certifications to differentiate yourself in the market. Clinical Experience and Internships: Gain diverse clinical experience through internships, practicum placements, and supervised training opportunities. Continuing Education and Professional Development: Stay abreast of emerging trends, research findings, and evidence-based practices in counseling psychology through continuing education, workshops, and professional development opportunities.
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Digital Literacy and Teletherapy Skills: With the continued integration of technology in mental health care, counselors will need to enhance their proficiency in digital platforms and teletherapy modalities. This includes utilizing secure video conferencing tools, managing electronic health records (EHR), and maintaining ethical standards in online therapy settings. Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness: As awareness of cultural diversity and social justice issues grows, counselors must deepen their understanding of intersectionality and cultural humility. Competence in working with diverse populations and addressing systemic barriers to mental health care will from an antiracism lens will be essential for providing inclusive and culturally responsive services. Trauma-Informed Care: Given the prevalence of trauma and its impact on mental health, counselors will need to adopt trauma-informed approaches across various settings. This includes recognizing the signs of trauma, creating safe environments for disclosure, and integrating trauma-sensitive interventions into counseling practice. Resilience-Building and Positive Psychology: In addition to addressing mental health challenges, there will be a greater emphasis on promoting resilience and well-being. Counselors will incorporate positive psychology principles, such as strengths-based interventions and mindfulness techniques, to empower clients and enhance their coping skills. Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Care: With the recognition of the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, counselors will collaborate more closely with other healthcare professionals in integrated care settings. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams will be essential for providing holistic and comprehensive care to clients. Data Literacy and Outcome Measurement: Increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice and outcome measurement will require counselors to develop skills in data collection, analysis, and outcome evaluation. Ethical Decision-Making in Complex Situations: As counseling scenarios become increasingly complex, counselors will face ethical dilemmas that require nuanced decision-making. Strengthening skills in ethical reasoning, consultation, and ethical sensitivity will enable counselors to navigate challenging ethical issues with integrity and professionalism.
What will help Teacher Counselors increase their earning potential?
Katherine Stavrianopoulos Ph.D.: Continued Learning and Development: Stay committed to lifelong learning by attending workshops, pursuing advanced certifications, and staying updated on the latest research and therapeutic techniques. Supervision and Mentorship: Seek out supervision and mentorship opportunities from experienced professionals in the field. Consider participating in a peer supervision group where you can support one another and be open to constructive criticism as part of your development. Engage in regular self-reflection for personal growth. Prioritize Self-Care: Establish healthy boundaries between work and personal life, engage in activities that recharge you and help prevent burn out. Cultural Competence and Diversity: Cultivate cultural humility and strive to understand the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of your clients. Continuously educate yourself on multiculturalism and antiracism to provide competent and inclusive counseling services. Ethical Practice: Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards in your practice. Strive to Build Strong Therapeutic Relationships: Establish rapport, demonstrate empathy, and create a safe and trusting environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings. Evidence-Based Practice: Stay informed about research findings and utilize interventions that have been empirically validated for specific client populations and presenting issues. Networking and Collaboration: Build professional connections within the counseling community. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and participate in networking events to expand your professional network. Collaboration with colleagues can lead to referrals, consultation opportunities, and mutual support. Consider doing some pro bono work: Pro bono services help bridge the gap to access mental health services for individuals who cannot afford them.
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Sarah Donovan: The skills that will become more important and prevalent in the field of education is a firm grounding in humanizing practices of education - to develop communities of learning in classrooms that draw on the expertise and lived experiences of our students. The students have a wealth of knowledge and experience that we need to engage in order to inspire students to be lifelong learners who can shape the future.
Educators can continue to develop collaborative skills within their field of expertise while also extending their own learning to other disciplines so that we can draw may literacies to design curriculum and inform instruction.
Educators need to be curriculum designers.
Jennifer Cipollone MA
Director of School Counseling & Af. Professor of Counseling Psychology, Ph.D. Student, Organizational LeadershipWhat Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Cipollone MA: Taking additional educational credits and professional development can help increase your salary potential and stay current with trends and issues facing students.
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC
Assistant Dean & Program Director, Master's programs in General Psychology and Mental Health CounselingAdelphi University
Mental And Social Health Services And Allied Professions
What general advice would you give to a Teacher Counselor?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: In the next few years, counselors will benefit from developing skills in emerging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and how such technology is being used by clients through various social media applications that might lead to clinical concerns (.e.g., dating, gambling, pornography). Integrating some of these new technologies into therapeutically sound interventions will be one way to address these concerns both in traditional therapy settings, as well as virtually (e.g., avatar therapy).
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: Given the complexities of the world today, emerging counseling professionals must be flexible in their treatment approach, inclusive in their understanding of diverse cultures and sub-cultures, and mature professionally through humility, self-reflection, and self-care.
What will help Teacher Counselors increase their earning potential?
Errol Rodriguez Ph.D., MAC, CRC: One way to maximize your earning potential when starting your career is to develop a focus, not just a specialization. A focus requires a broader lens when it comes to earnings. For example, specializing in clinical treatments for addiction is important and will generate referrals. However, having a focus in addiction treatments extends your reach into other adjacent areas such as business applications and services offered outside of the therapy office. It might start with the question, 'what other groups or organizations might benefit from my focus area?' This might lead to a consultation opportunity at a business that is interested in reducing burnout for its employees and by extension the sequelae of problems associated with burnout (e.g., depression, addiction). One opportunity often leads to another. The second way to maximize income early in your career is to consider ways to translate what you do into a public-facing profile. Whether using LinkedIn or your own website, it is crucial for the public to become acquainted with you professionally. Investing in this process will pay off quickly.
Leonis Wright Ph.D., LPC, NCC
Associate ProfessorGovernors State University
Student Counseling And Personnel Services
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leonis Wright Ph.D., LPC, NCC: Launching a career in school counseling can be exciting and rewarding, but also very
challenging. As you enter the field, you will discover that school counselors wear may
hats; and based on your work setting (i.e., elementary, middle, or high school), the
expectations and responsibilities may vary. However, here are a few tips that should
help you to become competent school counselor regardless of your location. First,
although you have learned a lot from your program, please continue to seek
professional development. Lifelong learning is vital to remain current with the latest
practices and trends of this profession. Second, you now have an ethical responsibility
to ensure the welfare of all students, and to promote their academic, social/emotional,
and career development. Therefore, I encourage you to stay on your "culturally
competent" journey. By accepting and valuing inclusion and diversity, you will be a
major component in ensuring equity and access for all students. Third, don't try to do it
solo, rather be sure to collaborate with others and build strong relationships. As a
school counselor you are expected to create and implement a data-informed school
counseling program, thus, to do so. you will need support from all educational partners.
Forth, practice self-care. Unfortunately, being a school counselor can be emotionally
draining at times. Thus, it is vital that you maintain your own physical, mental, and
emotional health to prevent burnout. Remember, you can't help anyone else, if you are
not taking care of yourself. Lastly, you are a School Counselor! Simply, put, your job is to
lead, advocate, and collaborate to promote systemic change!
What will help Teacher Counselors increase their earning potential?
Leonis Wright Ph.D., LPC, NCC: School counselors' salaries are usually depended upon the district/school in which they
are employed as well as any years of experience in the field of education. However, here
are a few ways that school counselors may be able to maximize the salary potential.
First, if offered a job, negotiate your salary and benefits. This can be scary as a new
employee, however, knowing your worth, and not being afraid to highlight your skills
and expertise could possibility lead to a higher starting pay. Secondly, as a new MA
degree graduate, it is not too soon to consider advanced education (i.e., pursuing a
doctorate). Doing so could lead to higher-paying opportunities. Additionally, look for
positions of advancement outside of a k-12 school setting as they may also offer higher
salary potential. For example, after a few years as a practicing school counselor,
consider exploring leadership roles within district offices (i.e. counseling director, career
coordinator, etc.).
In considering these approaches, it is possible you can maximize your salary potential
while maintaining a rewarding career.
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jessica Lane Ph.D.: School Counselors are school leaders who are trained to work with ALL students in the areas of academic, career, and social-emotional domains. School counselors are prepared to provide proactive, data driven, developmentally appropriate comprehensive P-12 programming via classroom lessons, small group, and individual counseling to support student success. Skills such as: time management, study habits, communication, collaboration, cooperation, and conflict resolution are taught to build healthy behaviors, mindsets, and goals, and aid in student attendance, achievement, and behavior.
What will help Teacher Counselors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jessica Lane Ph.D.: Every child deserves and needs supportive adults and student advocates, and school counselors serve in that capacity. The opportunity to help develop and support the whole student through academic, career, and social-emotional opportunities is very gratifying. A challenge of today's school counselors is the ability to have enough school counselors in schools and buildings to keep the number of students to school counselor ratio at an optimal level for student support and impact. Additionally, communicating to stakeholders how the role and training of school counselors has evolved to meet the needs of today's students is an important and necessary consideration for school counselors.
What general advice would you give to a Teacher Counselor?
Kristen Toole: Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. Personal and professional development are
lifelong processes that are never really finished. So, it is essential to pace yourself and establish a
foundation of healthy practices from the outset. Creating habits and routines in the beginning
with the end in mind can be a good strategy for success and sustainability.
Keep work-life balance and boundaries in mind from the start because breaking bad habits can
be tricky once established. Think about where you ultimately want to be and build toward that
future one step at a time. Also, it is okay if plans change! You never know where open-
mindedness and willingness to learn may take you.
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kristen Toole: This is an exciting time to be a counselor. It is a time for integration and inclusivity. With an
increasing focus on neuroscience and the advent of telehealth, incorporating science and
technology in counseling is increasingly relevant.
The use of technology is on the rise. As more people become familiar with telehealth, counselors
must become comfortable providing virtual care. Telehealth practices are also critical to
expanding our reach and improving the accessibility of our services.
Undeniable links between science and counseling continue to emerge. Findings in neuroscience
are shaping how we understand counseling and informing best practices (Cammisuli &
Castelnuovo, 2023). Furthermore, this supports incorporating knowledge and skills from other
disciplines to broaden the counseling field's horizons.
Mastering essential attending behaviors and the basic listening sequence (Ivey et al., 2018) is not
enough if we cannot successfully and accurately position our clients against a backdrop of broad
and complex contextual factors. Embracing diverse perspectives is crucial to supporting holistic
counseling practices. Integrating new information will be the key to achieving a more complete
and inclusive understanding of our clients and our work as we move forward.
What will help Teacher Counselors increase their earning potential?
Kristen Toole: Post-pandemic disparities have highlighted the necessity of prioritizing mental health and the
need for more mental health providers (Fink-Samnick, 2023; Health Resources & Services
Administration, 2023). The counseling field is expected to outpace the national average for
occupational growth six-fold over the next ten years (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022). There is
no question that counselors are in demand, but there are still a few strategies for new
professionals to maximize their salary potential.
A growing number of students are entering counseling graduate programs, having completed
undergraduate minors and focus areas in related fields. This is fantastic conceptually and can be
a vital strategy for enhancing their counseling work. Skill building is one way to optimize
success and salary.
Some graduate programs, like Xavier's, offer options for obtaining additional certifications along
the way to a master's degree. In Xavier's counseling program, students can choose courses that
allow them to get certificates in addiction counseling and medical trauma-informed care. For
clinical mental health counselors, this is an excellent way to demonstrate skill mastery, and for
school counselors, it provides a unique opportunity to broaden their scope of practice. Either
way, additional certifications exhibit a commitment that potential employers can appreciate.
Counselors who are well-informed about their market value and earning potential can engage in
informed offer negotiations. Additional skills are one way beginning professionals can increase
their starting salary. However, it is important to remember that total earnings include several
elements, and salary is just one piece of that puzzle.
Counselors are immensely versatile and can find work in various settings, so they need to
understand their options in addition to their earning potential. Benefits, schedule, and location
are other things that can impact the earnings bottom line and are essential to consider. Finally,
counselors must know themselves: personality, interests, work values, and abilities impact job fit
and, ultimately, work satisfaction. These are crucial considerations for mitigating compassion
fatigue (Stamm, 2010), which can limit counselors' longevity.
New professionals must research and reflect as they enter the job market. There are many things
to consider when choosing a job, and it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, various resources,
such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*Net, Glassdoor, and Monster, offer
indispensable tools and information to job seekers.
What general advice would you give to a Teacher Counselor?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: A practicing counselor's day is often full of sessions with clients. These sessions may be individual therapy, couples/families, or groups of individuals with some shared presenting issue. Counselors also have to complete paperwork associated with these sessions throughout the day. Some counselors also provide supervision to newer practitioners as a part of their work roles.
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: There is a critical need for mental health care in our world. Many want to help with this need, making counseling a good profession to enter now.
What will help Teacher Counselors increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA
Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Specialist in School Psychology and Clinical/ Community Mental Health Graduate ProgramsWestern Illinois University
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - The best I can give to graduates is to focus on taking small steps at first. Often the first year in the field can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The system we work in (the helping profession broadly) often has a lot of challenges, and new professionals want to re-envision a path for changes. This is tangible, but at first, it is important to understand the roles and functions in the workplace before flipping everything upside down. I suggest taking one small change at a time in an area that is important to you and build relationships and trust with your professional colleagues before overloading yourself with the new job and new goals.
What general advice would you give to a Teacher Counselor?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - The best I can give to graduates is to focus on taking small steps at first. Often the first year in the field can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The system we work in (the helping profession broadly) often has a lot of challenges, and new professionals want to re-envision a path for changes. This is tangible, but at first, it is important to understand the roles and functions in the workplace before flipping everything upside down. I suggest taking one small change at a time in an area that is important to you and build relationships and trust with your professional colleagues before overloading yourself with the new job and new goals.
What will help Teacher Counselors increase their earning potential?
Leigh Ann Tipton-Fisler, PhD, BCBA: - I think skills in using and being familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) will be important in our field now and in the upcoming five years. The capabilities of the open AI sources has exponentially grown smarter in just the past year. The tools accessible are revolutionizing the way people write reports, generate recommendations, capture clinical notes, and even summarize and synthesize information. It is technology that we must learn to understand after the point of graduate training where we can apply our professional decision-making skills and theoretical knowledge to the information input/output of this great technology.
Gina Anderson
Associate Dean for Educator Preparation and PartnershipsTexas Woman's University
TWU College of Professional Education
What soft skills should all Teacher Counselors possess?
Gina Anderson: Important soft skills include excellent communication skills, being collaborative, empathetic, and a good listener, being flexible and adaptable, respecting and appreciating cultural differences, being an advocate for students, being trustworthy, having the ability to build relationships.
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.
Associate Professor; Director, Master of CounselingLouisiana State University at Shreveport
Department Of Psychology
What skills stand out on Teacher Counselor resumes?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Skills that stand out on Counselor resumes include multilingual, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and leadership skills.
What soft skills should all Teacher Counselors possess?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Soft skills that are essential for counselors include emotional intelligence, empathy, multicultural competency, interpersonal abilities, and authenticity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Teacher Counselors?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: It is important that counselors are able to effectively take notes and summarize progress, interpret assessments, memorize and recall information, and keep clear yet concise records.
What skills will help Teacher Counselors earn the most?
Kacie Blalock Ph.D.: Skills that will help you earn the most include teletherapy and trauma-informed care.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Teacher Counselors?
Christopher Todd Belser Ph.D.: 100 percent, yes. The coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted the training experiences that emerging graduates have received, especially those who have been working at practicum and internship sites in 2020 and 2021. Many students had to navigate school site closures and pivots to online learning both in their K-12 field site and their graduate coursework. On one hand, this has likely limited some of the experiences they were able to gain as a graduate student, and on the other hand, it forced them to become acquainted with new technologies and new real-world crises while working under a supportive network of university and site supervisors. In addition to the direct impacts on the graduates themselves, the coronavirus pandemic has also sparked conversations about what role school counselors will play in responding to student needs as we move toward a new normal. The events of 2020, including both the coronavirus pandemic and racial justice efforts, will likely be watershed moments for the current generations of K-12 students, and the impacts will be both immediate and long-term. School counselors will need to dive head first into helping K-12 students work through grief/loss, fears and anxieties, academic challenges, motivation loss, career and postsecondary concerns, and a myriad of other issues related to reintegrating into on-site school environments. And as K-12 employees whose identity bridges education and mental health, there will be a great need for school counselors to act as leaders, advocates, collaborators, and change agents in response efforts that are equitable and systems-oriented.
What's a day at work look like for a Teacher Counselor?
Christopher Todd Belser Ph.D.: I'm not sure there was a "typical day" before COVID-19 for school counselors and I don't think there will be after. Because the pandemic is ongoing, graduates going immediately into school settings may still need to be prepared for environments that are virtual at least to some degree. Even if schools are moving more toward on-site learning, some element of virtual learning will likely still be in place, and if there is an unfortunate need to return to virtual learning, school counselors will need to be prepared to organize their work in that way. More concretely, day-to-day tasks will involve checking-in with specific students, making referrals for long-term mental health care, going into classrooms to deliver counseling-related lessons, conducting small group interventions, meeting with parents and teachers, etc. And because of the magnitude of the COVID-19 impact, school counselors will need to avoid the trap of "random acts of guidance" and be prepared to gathering universal data on student needs and delivering multi-tiered services to students in response to these needs.
What will help Teacher Counselors increase their earning potential?
Christopher Todd Belser Ph.D.: In many states and districts, school counselor salaries are based on a set pay scale, so earning potential is more tied to getting a school counseling job and keeping that job. New graduates often face the dreaded critique of lacking work experience as compared to more seasoned job candidates. However, newer graduates are also more likely to have been trained to design and deliver multi-tiered interventions and more trained on how to utilize school data to drive school counseling programming. Job candidates looking to stand out will need to be able to concretely discuss how their training will help solve issues that the school is facing, which does involve doing a bit of research on the school to which one is applying. Additionally, graduates need to recognize the importance of ongoing professional development--trainings, workshops, and certifications that equip school counselors to address unique circumstances of the school can only increase a person's effectiveness and longevity as a school counselor. Although grants and other external funding typically don't increase salaries for school counselors, these funding opportunities can help purchase evidence-based programs, support interventions, and buy other necessary materials that can make a school counselor's work a little bit easier. Lastly, school counselors can consider pursuing a doctorate degree in a related field (e.g., counselor education and supervision, educational leadership) to enhance their skills and expertise, open doors for new work opportunities and promotions, and possibly move them up on a pay scale.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Teacher Counselor job market given the pandemic?
Michael Eschelbach Ph.D.: Any and every job that is either unaffected by a pandemic (essential workers) or jobs that flourish because of the pandemic; delivery people and methods, producers of packaging; disposable products, plexiglass production, and fabrication; whatever can provide people with as many choices as possible that can be delivered to their home.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Teacher Counselors?
Michael Eschelbach Ph.D.: Medically related, including counseling. Apart from Covid, certifications/licenses/courses that are in demand; health care always but also in the trades.
What's a good job out of college for Teacher Counselors?
Michael Eschelbach Ph.D.: A good job out of college is any job, some might argue. A better job would be one that employs what you studied in college because it asks you to do what you prepared to do. A still better job is one that offers the opportunity to use the whole college experience in problem-solving, creativity, interpersonal relationships - learning, thinking, and communication skills that allow you to see an opportunity, be inspired by it, and pursue it.
Dr. Stephanie Baran
Instructor, SociologyNicholls State University
Social Sciences Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Teacher Counselors?
Dr. Stephanie Baran: I think there will be an impact, but I don't necessarily think graduates in the social sciences will find an issue getting jobs. If anything, at least what I've seen from my students is that they are resilient and are flexible to the changes that occur around them. So, the impact that the coronavirus had on graduates showed them ways they could innovate and be responsive to changes. I think those qualities are desirable for post-graduate work.
I also don't necessarily think sociology will "change"-the social impact of the coronavirus-how it continues to affect groups in varying intersections of race, class and gender are all the main threads of sociological inquiry. Students may find more opportunities post-graduation in organizations that address social stressors-like the impact on mental health services, social services and how the pandemic disparately impacted women, women of color, BIPOC and marginalized groups in different ways and how society directly feels the impact from inaction from governmental structures.
What type of skills will young Teacher Counselors need?
Dr. Stephanie Baran: I do not believe this has changed much-aside from the increase of distance learning. I know that in my teaching experience, the things students learn in class are directly relatable to their future endeavors. Sociology teaches its majors, minors and (other students simply taking the course for credit) how different social structures impact different lives, differently. Therefore, being able to be proactive, assess situations, understand different relationships are all still important. I think a skill we can as instructors instill in students is simply asking for help and knowing who to talk to/reaching out to others is imperative to mental health. I think employers are the ones that need to shift and provide access to different work/life balance resources, versus the graduate always being on alert.
What experience really stands out on Teacher Counselor resumes?
Dr. Stephanie Baran: For recently graduated students, or students about to graduate, because they may not have a lot of work experience, it is helpful to use the work they completed in their different courses, emphasizing their ability to think through complex issues, showing the ability to navigate/be flexible then things quickly change. They can also use some of the skills acquired from the pandemic-like more online/computer skills, which may be helpful to their coworkers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Teacher Counselor job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Carla Alphonso: I expect more remote work options and also more jobs opening in health care and social services. Not only due to the pandemic but to the aging of the babyboomers. We will see a greater need for medical social workers, hospital administration, and non-profit administration (and especially in the nursing home/assisted living sector). Contact tracing and research on human social behaviors during the pandemic will continue to be important.
What skills stand out on Teacher Counselor resumes?
Dr. Carla Alphonso: Skills involving data collection and analysis remain important, and are one of the qualities that help sociology majors to stand out compared to their peers. Communication skills, especially strong writing skills but also confident, effective public speaking, are helpful in today's job market. Sociology students are also well-positioned in terms of problem solving and critical thinking skills. Many jobs that our students enter need applicants who are solutions-focused, and sociology helps students in that area.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Teacher Counselors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Carla Alphonso: Sociology students can easily find work wherever there are people and wherever there are social problems. In other words, just about anywhere! Again, due to the aging of the babyboom generation, I would recommend areas that have large proportions of elderly including Florida, Maine, and West Virginia. More jobs may be available in urban areas, but there are needs for workers with sociology skills in rural areas, too. More social services and non-profits are located in urban areas and especially in/around state capitals.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Teacher Counselor job market given the pandemic?
Christina Erickson Ph.D.: The market for social workers has remained high for several years. Social workers have become an important component of most health care settings and the pandemic has only increased this reality. I don't anticipate any shortages in medical social work in the years to come, only growth. Medical social work is particularly interesting for people who care about the connection between physical and mental health, like the idea of working in a health care setting, and appreciate a fast paced environment. However, the pandemic will likely impact other social workers, too. School social workers will likely assist in addressing back to school issues for families, and certainly social workers who care for elders, and those who assist with death and dying. Because social workers are found in so many different sectors of society, much of their work will be impacted by the pandemic.
What Teacher Counselor skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christina Erickson Ph.D.: Gap years are welcome for students. Generally, I see a great deal of maturity as students move through the four years of college and this is necessary to prepare them for the demands of being a professional social worker. A gap year often increases the maturity level of students and can provide rich experiences that prepare them for college. A good gap year for a social work student includes human interactions that require students to work across human differences. That difference can be in a variety of forms, age, culture, gender, faith tradition, experiences, or even ways of thinking. What matters most is the student's ability to describe their own growth as they worked across those differences. Not about how other people changed because of their interaction, but how they changed to meet their goals and learn from others. Experience solving problems is helpful, too. Even learning how to take the first steps to deal with a challenge and being able to describe the steps, grows critical thinking and evaluation skills important for the most successful social work practitioners.
What general advice would you give to a Teacher Counselor?
Christina Erickson Ph.D.: First, don't be afraid of informational interviews. You'll find social workers in many parts of society, and many of them will love to talk about their experiences. Draft up a few questions, three will suffice, and interview someone to see if the kind of work they do interests you.
Second, peruse the website of the National Association of Social Workers. As the professional organization for social workers, they house enormous amounts of information about careers, education, requirements for continuing education, and give you a sense of the direction social work is headed as a profession. Find out if you are comfortable with their information and how they discuss the profession and the future they suggest.
Finally, social work is a licensed profession, like teaching, nursing, law or medicine. Make sure you want to enter a profession in which you are required to be licensed by passing a test, follow a code of ethics, and commit to continuing education to maintain your license over many years. In most states there is a governing body that manages licensing. Look up the name of your state, the word license, and social work to learn more about what that would entail where you hope to work.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Teacher Counselors?
Dr. Mary DeRaedt: Absolutely, but while the question sounds negative, the impact will not necessarily be. Over the course of this past semester, interns in our program have been able to not only do the job of a school counselor, they have been forced by the restrictions of the pandemic to learn more advanced technological skills, become more flexible and adaptable to ever changing expectations in the school systems, and learn more creative and engaging ways to not only garner but maintain student attention in virtual environments. All of these skills are transferable to an in person environment and will make them better equipped to work in the post COVID 19 world.
An added skill set, stress management, is one that will be in high demand in coming years as our society recovers from the emotional toll this pandemic has taken on our mental health. Students who have been in school counseling programs during lockdowns and quarantine have spent that time immersed in learning coping skills and healthy mental health practices but also given the opportunity to apply these skills during a time of immense need. This direct application of skills across environments gives this cohort of students an experience level that is unprecedented.
The impact of this pandemic will be felt by all of us for years to come, but the potential for this group of graduates to have a positive affect on that impact is high.
What type of skills will young Teacher Counselors need?
Dr. Mary DeRaedt: The job of a school counselor is ever changing and evolving, but the importance of responsive and proactive mental health intervention has been and will continue to be of increasing importance in school environments as we discover a new normal as a culture, post-COVID. As I mentioned previously, graduates will need a solid foundation in technological knowledge, stress management and adaptability in order to meet the needs of schools.
Beyond those core skills, graduates entering the workforce in the coming years will need to be skilled in understanding and articulating the importance of trauma informed schools. The changing nature of our workforce also creates a need for school counselors to be knowledgeable about career counseling and the importance of understanding and addressing issues of discrimination, inequality and antiracism as they apply to the lived experience and future career options of students.
What experience really stands out on Teacher Counselor resumes?
Dr. Mary DeRaedt: Resumes will need to demonstrate knowledge and training in trauma informed schools approaches, experience with both in person and virtual student engagement, and demonstration of knowledge and skills with underserved, minority and at risk populations. Demonstrating a commitment to continued growth and learning by having sought out specialized training will also help an applicant stand out when applying for a position.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Teacher Counselors?
Dr. Jennie Harrop Ph.D.: I suspect there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus on all of us, regardless of age or life stage. We have learned to plan tentatively, cherish our loved ones, and seek deeper purpose in much of what we do. It is difficult to complete an internship or seek employment when businesses are closed to the public, so many graduates are seeking new solutions for the time being, waiting until things reopen before fully launching a new career. COVID has slowed many professional paths, encouraging students to slow their coursework or professional trajectory as they observe the pandemic and culture around them. When businesses open more fully again, the impact of the virus will be notable, pressing graduates to innovate on their feet and problem solve without hesitation.
What type of skills will young Teacher Counselors need?
Dr. Jennie Harrop Ph.D.: The most successful graduates will be self-aware, humble, creative, and collaborative. Effective communication skills are critical, including both verbal and written, as well as an ability to articulate a clear purpose, read an audience effectively, and persuade with empathy. While market-specific skills are important, most can be learned on the job and are changing quickly, so the best employees will be those who can anticipate change and continually press in new directions, encouraging coworkers to come alongside as they go.
What experience really stands out on Teacher Counselor resumes?
Dr. Jennie Harrop Ph.D.: A diversity of experience is important, demonstrating to a future employee an individual's willingness to try new things, take risks, and experience life fully. Humility demands a willingness to embrace lower-level jobs as well as higher-level, and servant leadership is evidenced in a readiness to have an impact on one's community, regardless of the reward. The best resumes will demonstrate a variety of experiences and a sampling of volunteer work, as well as any memberships or awards that demonstrate commitment and follow-through.