A public elementary school counselor focuses on the academic, social/emotional, and career development of students in grades PreK-5 or PreK-6. The implement a comprehensive counseling program aligned with the Tennessee Comprehensive School Counseling Model.
Key Responsibilities-
Instruction: Deliver classroom lessons on topics such as character education, bullying prevention, and social skills.
-
IndividualGroup Counseling: Provide short-term, goal-oriented counseling to address immediate social or emotional needs.
-
Student SupportIntervention: Facilitate crisis intervention, peer mediation, and behavioral threat assessments.
-
Collaboration: Consult with parents, teachers, and administrators regarding student progress and behavioral concerns.
-
Systemic Advocacy: Analyze data (e.g., attendance, discipline) to identify and address student needs at a school-wide level.
-
Referrals: Connect families with community resources for long-term mental health or specialized support.
Required QualificationsLicensure-
Education: A Master's degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited institution is required.
-
Licensure: Must hold a valid Tennessee School Service Personnel License with a school counselor endorsement (Code 487).
-
Assessments: A passing score (minimum 156) on the Praxis School Counselor Assessment (Test Code 5422).
-
Experience: Most initial candidates enter with a 3-year Practitioner License, which can be upgraded to a 6-year Professional License after meeting experience and professional development requirements.
Preferred Skills-
Strong verbal and written communication for dealing with diverse stakeholders.
-
Expertise in data-driven decision-making and organizational management.
-
Adherence to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Ethical Standards.
