TAT School Counselor

Requirements

Master’s degree in school counseling AND current ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counseling Endorsement

Principal

Principal

As vital members of the school’s educational leadership team, professional school counselors provide comprehensive, developmental supports within the academic, personal/social, and career domains to ensure that today’s students become the productive, well‑adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. They provide proactive leadership to engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help all students achieve success in school.

The Framework is aligned to the American School Counselor Association National Model for School Counseling Programs and outlines a comprehensive counseling program that delivers services equitably to all students in the building.

The school counselor will conduct an annual needs assessment and data review to identify critical areas of student need, then create targeted program goals aligned to the school wide goals, mission, and vision to improve academic achievement.

To reach all students, the counselor will design, conduct, and co‑teach learning activities in classroom, large group, and school‑wide settings, based on academic, career, post‑secondary and social/emotional needs, to integrate counseling into the overall curriculum. Activities include:

• Classroom guidance
• High school/college/career fairs
• High school/college/career tours
• Grade‑level or school‑wide team‑building activities

In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the counselor will create an academic plan that leads to a diploma and chosen post‑secondary options. Activities include:

• Facilitation of completion of the Individual Learning Plan in Naviance
• Transition activities (e.g., orientations, HS application process)
• Events to inform families of test results and planning implications
• Advisement to ensure students are on track to the next grade level or life phase

Collaborating with students, staff, and families, the counselor provides responsive services for academic barriers. Activities include:

• Facilitation of small groups
• Structured, short‑term, goal‑oriented individual counseling sessions
• Participation in building‑level student assistance teams
• Facilitation of conferences with students, teachers, and families
• Consultation with teachers, families, and external partners on developmental needs
• School‑wide support during crises or emergencies
• Participation in IEP/504 Plan teams

Note:

school counselors do not provide therapeutic treatment of a mental, emotional, or bodily disorder.

Indirect services are rendered on behalf of students through interactions with others. Activities include:

• Referral of students/families to district and community resources
• Sharing strategies to support student achievement with parents, teachers, and community organizations
• Student advocacy to promote development in all domains
• Serving as the school’s resident expert on student development
• Obtaining information on student needs through stakeholders
• Team/partner/committee involvement and advisory board service
• Creating formalized partnerships with community‑based organizations

As leaders and advocates, counselors coordinate activities that support effective school operation. Activities include:

• Creation of an annual counseling Evidence‑Based Implementation Plan and Annual Agreement supporting school goals
• Delivery of needs assessments for multiple audiences
• Collection and aggregation of data sources to determine needs and monitor interventions
• Protection of planning time for counseling interventions
• Coordination of professional development/in‑service programs for faculty and staff

The counselor actively participates in district, state, and national professional development; joins professional associations; reads journals; attends workshops and conferences; and engages in continuing education coursework.