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 Tennessee.
Academics: (Option 1) Finish a graduate degree with a sanctioned prep program in school guidance and counseling or (Option 2) Possess a graduate degree in community/agency counseling and must be enrolled in a sanctioned graduate program in school counseling and has completed at least 30 hours leading to completion of a sanctioned graduate program in school counseling and must be supervised by a licensed school counselor for at least of one hour per week.
Experience Requirements: (1) Internship will be full-time for at least one semester in length. Guidance and counseling experiences at the PreK-6 and 7-12 grade levels will be provided to the candidate during the practicum, and (2) School counselor candidates without teaching experience will have one semester-long orientation experience in a school in an early part of the preparation program. The induction experience will be structured to provide observation, participation in, and analysis of classroom instruction.
Assessment: Praxis II: School Guidance & Counseling, Minimum 580.
Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: Yes recommended for certification by the Dean of Education and the Certification Office of the college/university
Licensure: Pre K-12
Licensure Reciprocity: Yes. Counselors from out-of-state with a limited license can work on an Interim license while completing TN PreK-12 certification requirements.
Criminal Background Investigation: Yes, at the district level.
