SCP 550: Role of Professional School Counselor

The Role of the Professional School Counselor is designed to ensure the school counselors develop an appropriate professional identity. The course provides students with a framework for understanding the history and philosophy of the counseling profession, including significant factors and event, and current trends in school counseling and educational systems. The Role of the Professional School Counselor emphasizes studies that address the role, function, and professional identity of the school counselor in relation to the roles of other school personnel. The course promotes use of counseling and guidance activities and programs by the total school community to enhance a positive school climate. In considering the function and responsibilities of school counselors at the elementary, middle school, and high school level emphasis will be placed upon the counselor's role as a student advocate and agent of change. Particular emphasis will be placed on educational requirements of the Board of Regents and the American School Counselor Association. Opportunities to interact with school counselors and other school personnel will be provided through school-based interviews and observations.