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Elementary School Counselor

Do you love children? Do you want to help them, and be there to listen to their problems, or just help them do their absolute best? If you are spending your time wanting to go back to school, and you answered yes to the previous questions, here is an idea for you to ponder. You could go back to school and earn your college degree as an elementary school counselor. Now, you might not understand what an elementary school counselor is, what they do, how you get a degree or how much money you would make if you earned your degree. But after reading this article, you will, and you will be able to make an informed decision as to whether this is the job for you.

Duties of an Elementary School Counselor

First and foremost, being an elementary school counselor is very important. It is during these first years of school that a child may have trouble adjusting, making friends or developing vital skills that will be needed in the future. An elementary school counselor’s duty is to work with children, parents or guardians and teachers to benefit the well-being of the child. You will be expected to take a mental approach in helping children overcome obstacles that are delaying their learning. It will also be your responsibility to speak with groups of children about important issues such as bullying, teamwork and diversity. Aside from the group aspect, you will be required to work, as needed, with children in a one-on-one setting. It is during one-on-one time that you can also be expected to help a child through problems they may be having at home or with other students at school. Basically, your goal is to make school a warm, welcoming place where a child wants to come and will feel safe and happy.

Qualifications to Become an Elementary School Counselor

To get a job as an elementary school counselor, you must have a master’s degree in psychology. You are also expected to have met all requirements in your courses, and have completed hands-on field work. Some states even require teaching certificates, though not all, and you will be required to have a license as a counselor. Currently, the salary for elementary school counselors is approximately between $29,399 and $64,108 per year. According to statistics, counselors in elementary schools in New York City are making the highest annual salaries. The job outlook is on the rise, as it’s expected to increase 18 percent by 2018.

If you have a strong desire to help others, such as small children, overcome obstacles that make school an unpleasant place for them to be, please consider going back to school, either online, or taking classes on a campus, to become an elementary school counselor. So many children need someone to confide in and talk to about problems they may not feel comfortable talking about with their parents, and you could be the one that helps them. All you have to do is take the first step on the right path, and enroll in your classes. Not only will you be bettering your own life, but you will be playing a beneficial role in so many small lives as well. That in itself will be rewarding at the end of a day.