In America, today’s school counselors do a lot more than their predecessors. It may be hard to tell from the outside looking in, but they help teachers and staff handle various issues, counsel parents, and sometimes play a crucial part in shaping education policy. They are a pivotal part of the student success equation, and they help schools create supportive and safe environments for students.
Want to become a school counselor in the United States, but want to know how? Don’t worry; the Edvocate has your back. Check out this guide that we created explaining how to become a school counselor in South Dakota.
Academics: (Option 1) Finish a master’s degree in school guidance or counseling; or (option 2) Finish a master’s degree in counseling and passage of the school counselor test and one year of supervision by a mentor counselor who has a mentor school counselor endorsement and verification of 3 years of experience as a school counselor.
Necessary Courses: 1 clock hour of suicide awareness and prevention training
Experience Requirements: Option 2, one year of supervision by a practicing school counselor
Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: No
Licensure: Pre-K–12
Assessment: For option 2, the passage of state-designated school counselor test
Licensure Reciprocity: No
Criminal Background Investigation: At the district level
