Middle School Counselor; K-8

Position Summary

The Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts seeks an insightful and supportive Secondary School Counselor to join our innovative educational community. The Secondary School Counselor serves as an advocate for students, facilitating communication and collaboration among students, parents, staff, and the broader community. This role focuses on supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth by guiding them in career planning, course selection, and addressing potential issues proactively.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to student advocacy, possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, and be dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive school community.

Our curriculum prioritizes the academic with the arts to nurture essential character skills critical for personal and professional success. Arts integration is embedded across all subjects, fostering critical thinking, promoting student engagement, and supporting equity and empowerment, while cultivating empathy, cultural competency, and other vital personality traits. Our transformative K‑8 arts‑integrated curriculum engages students from kindergarten through eighth grade, with early grades (K‑2) emphasizing exploration and creativity as a foundation for deeper learning in later years.

• Serve as student advocate with staff and community.
• Work with leaders, parents, and students to ensure adequate representation.
• Serve as liaison between students and parents.
• Advise and schedule students into appropriate courses.
• Work with students in developing career plans.
• Proactively work with students to prevent discipline, attendance, and academic problems.
• Work with students to develop and encourage social/interpersonal relationships.
• Maintain records and data of students.
• Other duties as assigned by the District.

• Must hold one of the following credentials:
  • Michigan Teaching Certificate with the School Counselor (NT) endorsement
  • School Counselor License (SCL)
  • Preliminary School Counselor License (PSCL)
  • Temporary School Counselor License (TSCL)
• Masters Degree in Counseling or School Counseling preferred.
• 3-5 years of successful experience working with students and families from a diverse community preferred.

• Ability to advocate effectively for students within the school and community.
• Familiarity with career assessment tools and planning resources for students.
• Knowledge of school policies regarding course scheduling and academic requirements.
• Insight into strategies for addressing attendance, discipline, and academic issues.
• Ability to maintain and analyze student records effectively.
• Strong skills in communicating with diverse groups, including students, parents, and staff.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and facilitate discussions among students, parents, and staff.
• Proficiency in guiding students in personal and social development.
• Ability to maintain detailed records and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Skills in identifying and addressing potential student issues before they arise.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students and advocate for their needs.
• Willingness to work collaboratively with educators, parents, and community leaders.
• Ability to assess student needs and develop appropriate interventions and support plans.
• Capacity to appreciate and respect cultural differences among students and families.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and responsibilities as assigned by the district.

$50,000 - $82,010

188 Days (10‑month calendar)

The successful candidate will be subject to a fingerprint and background check as a condition of employment. All fees required for this check (estimated $73) are the responsibility of the successful applicant.

The Battle Creek Public School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, sex, age, religion, national origin, weight, height or marital status in its employment practices.