School Counselor

by | Jun 15, 2025 | Professions

Profession Overview

Official Job Title

School Counselor

General Job Description

Supports student development across academic, career, and social-emotional domains. This means helping students do well in school, think about their goals for the future, and manage challenges in their personal lives. The role focuses on building confidence, solving problems, and making sure students have the support they need to grow and succeed.

Licensed?

Yes

Min. education

Masters

Reports to

Principal, Director of Student Services

Advancement

Yes

Salary range

$60k - $93k

Interesting fact

Massachusetts is one of the top-paying states for school counselors in the country

Job Requirements

Skills and comeptencies

Strong communication, empathy, problem-solving, cultural competence, time management, and crisis response skills

Major duties and responsibilities

  • Conduct individual and group counseling sessions
  • Provide academic planning and support
  • Respond to student crises and perform risk assessments
  • Consult with teachers, administrators, and families to support student needs

Minor duties and responsibilities

  • Coordinate standardized testing and college/career events
  • Write letters of recommendation
  • Maintain student records and documentation
  • Organize school-wide wellness initiatives

FUN FACT

Massachusetts was one of the first states to adopt a statewide model aligned with the national ASCA (American School Counselor Association) framework, requiring school counselors to deliver structured, data-informed programs that reach every student—not just those in crisis.

This means school counselors in Massachusetts are expected to proactively support academic planning, career readiness, and mental health for all students, not just respond when problems arise.

Educational requirements

  • Entry-level: Master’s degree in School Counseling from a DESE-approved program
  • Advancement: Eligibility for a Professional License after three years and 150 professional development points

Licensure requirements

License name: School Counselor (Professional Support Personnel license)

Licensure levels:

  • Initial – for new counselors, valid 5 years. In order to qualify, you must earn a master’s degree in school counseling (typically 48–60 credits) from a DESE‑approved program, including a minimum of 450 practicum hours in a school setting, and pass the Communication and Literacy MTEL exam.
  • Professional – after three years of work as a school counselor under your Initial License, you qualify to convert it to a Professional License. You must also complete 60 total graduate credits in counseling (this can include credits from your master’s degree) or hold certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors or the National Board for School Counseling.

Licensing body

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

References