National School Counseling Week (2024)

National School Counseling Week is observed from February 5 to 9 this year. It is always observed during the first full week of February. This five-day week takes place every year to bring to the public’s notice the priceless contribution of school counselors in the U.S. Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (A.S.C.A), National School Counseling Week (N.S.C.W.) highlights the significant impact that school counselors have in aiding students during their schooling years, such has assisting with college and scholarship applications, and also their careers.

History of National School Counseling Week

The A.S.C.A. supports the efforts of school counselors to help students focus on academic and career development, so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives thereafter. The A.S.C.A. provides professional development, publications, resources, and research to school counselors around the globe. To recognize them and their efforts, the A.S.C.A. has been holding and sponsoring the National School Counseling Week since 2011.

The A.S.C.A. provides a ton of promotional material, from certificates to press releases, announcements, posters, stickers, bookmarks, door hangers, etc., to make sure nobody misses out on this vital week. Some schools also get dignitaries like the governor, superintendent, or mayor to sign a proclamation declaring the five-day week as National School Counseling Week. The theme and events for the week are finalized a couple of months before the National School Counseling Week. The theme for last year was ‘School Counselors: All in for All Students,’ which summarizes the role of all counselors, as they dedicate themselves to doing it all for the students.

The A.S.C.A. National Model is a framework for school counseling programs that outlines the components of a program in synergy with the school’s mission. The programs are based on data-informed decision-making. They are systematically delivered to all students. They include an appropriate curriculum that is focused on the mindsets and behaviors all students need for success, they aim to close opportunity gaps, and they help improve student achievement, attendance, and discipline. Counselors help not just the students but also parents, teachers, and other staff. They help them focus on ways to further the students’ educational, personal, emotional, and social growth. They help prepare each student to succeed in an ever-changing world by providing support specific to their interests.

National School Counseling Week timeline

1908

The Father of Counseling

Frank Parsons, known as the father of career counseling, establishes the Bureau of Vocational Guidance to help young people transition from school to work.

2009

C.A.C.R.E.P. Standards

The Council on the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (C.A.C.R.E.P.) releases the 2009 Standards, thus, making the accreditation process more performance-based.

2011

First N.S.C.W.

The A.S.C.A. holds and sponsors the first N.S.C.W.

2021

School Counselor of the Year

Olivia Carter, a school counselor at Jefferson Elementary School, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, U.S., wins the 2021 School Counselor of the Year.

National School Counseling Week FAQs

What are the benefits of counseling?

The benefits include efficiency in communication and interpersonal relationships, self-acceptance and self-esteem, and the capability to change self-destructive behaviors. It helps students express themselves better, manage their emotions, and become free from depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.

What are the most important attributes of a counselor?

Topping the list would be empathy, discretion, patience, compassion, and encouragement. Then come qualities like self-awareness, open-mindedness, and flexibility.

Is April Counseling Awareness Month?

The American Counseling Association has declared April of each year as Counseling Awareness Month to support the profession. It similarly recognizes the efforts of counselors in enabling the growth and development of students and more.

How to Observe National School Counseling Week

  1. Announce the week

    As a student, you can get your school members to anticipate the week by promoting it during morning announcements. You can also distribute press releases customized to your school’s activities to spread the word.

  2. Promote it further

    The A.S.C.A. will be happy to provide National School Counseling Week posters to spread awareness. They also have stickers, bookmarks, and door hangers.

  3. Appreciate the counselors

    One of the best ways to observe the week. Show your appreciation for the faculty and all other participating members with a certificate of appreciation, also available with the A.S.C.A.

5 Important Facts About Counseling

  1. Jesse B. Davis

    He was the first to provide a systematic school counseling program focused on career development in 1907.

  2. N.A.C.A.C.

    In 1937, the National Association for College Admission Counseling was the first professional association focused on counseling high school students for college.

  3. Wartime

    In the early 1940s, the school counseling movement was affected by counselors having to help assess students for wartime needs.

  4. Space race

    After the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I in 1957, the American government was concerned about the lack of scientists and that the Russians were winning the space race, so it heavily funded growth in career counseling.

  5. The White House

    From 2014 to 2016, the White House, with First Lady Michelle Obama, collaborated with nationwide school counselors to focus on their roles, eventually having award ceremonies recognizing them.

Why National School Counseling Week is Important

  1. It’s important

    If it wasn’t important, there wouldn’t be 111,000 school counselors in the U.S. alone. That comes to a ratio of about one counselor for every 455 students.

  2. Their demand is increasing

    The employment of school counselors is said to grow by 13% by 2026, faster than the average for any other occupation. The annual wage for school counselors was $56,310 until three years ago and is bound to keep growing.

  3. They shape the future

    By molding students, they are creating the heroes of tomorrow. They are also affecting the decisions of thousands of beings who must decide what they want to do for the rest of their lives.

National School Counseling Week dates

YearDateDay
2022February 7Monday
2023February 6Monday
2024February 5Monday
2025February 3Monday
2026February 2Monday
National School Counseling Week (2024)

FAQs

National School Counseling Week? ›

National School Counseling Week, presented by ASCA

ASCA
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.
https://www.schoolcounselor.org › About-ASCA
, highlights school counselors' tremendous impact in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.

What is the theme for National school counseling Week 2024? ›

National School Counseling Week 2024, "School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused," will be celebrated February 5-9, 2024, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems.

Where is the asca conference in 2024? ›

Hotels and Location | ASCA 2024. The ASCA Annual Conference takes place at the Kansas City Convention Center (301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, Missouri). The Marriott Kansas City Downtown is the headquarters hotel.

What does a day look like for a school counselor? ›

They offer children personal, developmental and academic support throughout their school careers. At the middle school and high school level, school counselors assist adolescents in choosing their class schedules and help them prepare for the college or career path they will pursue after graduation.

What do you need to be a school counselor in NJ? ›

NOTE: The state of NJ requires a full master's in counseling to become eligible for a School Counselor Certification. For students not having the clinical pre requisites required by Montclair State University's CACREP-equivalent program, additional hours might be necessary.

How do I thank a school counselor? ›

Thank you for all of your work in helping to build a positive school climate. We recognize all that you do to teach important social emotional skills and model effective conflict resolution and collaboration. Your lessons and leadership have a positive ripple effect throughout the entire school community.

What are the 4 themes of school counseling? ›

ASCA officials believe that by implementing these four themes of leadership, collaboration, advocacy and systemic change into the comprehensive school counseling program, school counselors can create an environment that is not only challenging for all students but also equitable.

Where is the General Conference in 2024? ›

About this event

Please join us October 1-4, 2024, for the annual UPCI General Conference in Long Beach, California. The conference will take place in the Long Beach Convention Center.

Where is the ASCD conference in 2024? ›

The 2024 ASCD Annual Conference will be held March 22-25 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The area is served by three major airports, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).

Where is the AASA conference in 2024? ›

Event information

Address: San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Dr.

Can I cry to my school counselor? ›

<p>You didn't ruin the relationship necessarily. The job duty of counselors is to deal with EVERY problem their teens have. They have been (should) trained in school to prepare with all sorts of situations.

How happy are school counselors? ›

At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, school counselors rate their career happiness 3.5 out of 5 stars which puts them in the top 33% of careers.

Can I tell my school counselor anything? ›

The complete California Education Code § 49602 says: Any information of a personal nature disclosed by a pupil 12 years of age or older in the process of receiving counseling from a school counselor as specified in Section 49600 is confidential.

What degree do most school counselors have? ›

High school counselors typically hold a bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology or other related field, a master's degree in counseling and a state-issued license to practice.

What degree do you need to be a counselor in NJ? ›

The requirements for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey is 60 credits in a master's or doctoral degree program, three years of supervised full-time experience, and a passing score on the National Counselor Examination of the Board of Certified Counselors.

How do you spell guidance counselor? ›

Guidance counselor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guidance%20counselor.

Where is the NACAC conference in 2024? ›

NACAC Conference 2024 will take place September 26-28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

How long has ASCA been around? ›

Founded in 1952, ASCA supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they not only achieve success in school but are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 6426

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.