You may have heard of the phrase: “a day in the life of…”. So, what does a professional school counselor’s day look like? What would you want to know about working as a school counselor in a grade school or high school? What is the difference between your experience as a counselor and someone else’s? You are going to interview a school counselor to explore the answers to some of these questions and those that are most important to you.
Interview a Professional School Counselor Assignment:
The following three components need to be clearly labeled and are required:
Component I
For the interview, use the following questions as a guide. Several questions relate to topics covered in this course in order for you to gain an understanding of how the course topics apply to the life of a school counselor. During the interview you may add additional questions of your own that are prompted by the conversation. Your responses should be presented as a narrative rather than a listing of questions and answers.
Please explain what counseling credential you have (e.g., license or certificate) and what the qualifications are for this in your state. What examinations, if any, are required (e.g., Praxis)?
What grade levels do you work with and what campuses do you serve?
How many students are you assigned to work with?
How do you describe the differences between a mental health counselor, a social worker, or a school psychologist?
Describe your relationship with the school principal.
How do you implement the ASCA National Model?
How do you use data to show the effectiveness of the school counseling program?
How have you engaged in advocacy (for students or for the profession)? If so, what did that involve and how did it go?
How does understanding and respecting multiculturalism help you as a school counselor?
How do you partner with a student’s family and other stakeholder when addressing a student’s issue?
What do you do to maintain self-care and wellness?
What is your personal view about the future of the school counseling profession?
What information do you wish you would have known when you were a student in your school counseling program?
What would you like to change about your role as a school counselor?
Component II: A Day in the Life of a Professional School Counselor
Please describe what daily tasks you have as a school counselor.
Component III: Reflection
In this section, reflect on what you have learned in both the interview and the course regarding a balanced approach to the professional duties and responsibilities of a school counselor and about self-care. Describe how you see your future role as a school counselor. In your reflection, respond to the questions below. Your reflection should be presented as a narrative rather than a listing of questions and answers.
What did you learn from the interview that you did not learn in the course?
What did you think about the school counselor’s responsibilities? Do you agree with them or not? Why or why not?
What stood out to you the most about the interview?
How has your view of the role of the school counselor changed?
What do you anticipate the impact of being a school counselor may be on who you are personally?
