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

What is the theme for National School Counseling Week 2024? ›

National School Counseling Week 2024, “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused,” celebrated Feb. 5-9, 2024, focuses public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems.

How do you show appreciation to a school counselor? ›

Decorate their doors with signs expressing gratitude for the work school counselors do and the difference they make in students' lives. Have your class create a poster where each student shares something they appreciate about their school counselor. Bring them a special gift or treat.

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 year did school counseling start? ›

School counseling as a profession first evolved in the late 1800s primarily as a response to the Industrial Revolution and the vocational guidance movement. The vocational guidance movement was all about preparing young people for their entry into the workforce, and so the role of school counselor evolved.

What are the four themes of counseling? ›

ASCA National Model

The model demonstrates how school counselors can design programs with four components: Foundation, Management System, Delivery System, and Accountability. These components are influenced by four themes: Systemic Change, Advocacy, Leadership, and Collaboration.

What is a nice message for a school counselor? ›

I see you encouraging your students, day in and day out. All day, every day. I see you solving problems, putting out fires and handling crises. I see you taking a breath when you must go to that meeting or deal with that difficult situation.

What do I tell my school counselor? ›

Explain your problem as clearly and honestly as possible.

If you don't know what the source of your problem is (school-related, family-related, personal), give your counselor a bigger picture of your life and they will help you figure out what it might be linked to.

What values should a school counselor have? ›

Respect students' and families' values, beliefs and cultural background, as well as students' sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and exercise great care to avoid imposing personal biases, beliefs or values rooted in one's religion, culture or ethnicity.

Can I cry to my school counselor? ›

You will probably cry at school (not just your first year…but every year) and that's ok. You can cry in your office.

What school counselors make the most money? ›

Top-paying states for school counselors include:
  • California: $81,590.
  • New Jersey: $76,040.
  • Massachusetts: $75,660.
  • Washington: $75,160.
  • Maryland: $72,730.
Jan 30, 2023

What is the difference between a guidance counselor and a school counselor? ›

official statement calling on the profession to change the title to “school counselor” rather than the previous title of “guidance counselor.” WHY THE TITLE CHANGE? The title “guidance counselor” no longer encompassed the broad scope of work that was done by the professionals in the school.

How old are most school counselors? ›

The average school guidance counselor age is 41 years old.

How old are most counselors? ›

34% of therapists in the United States are in their 30s and 40s, but 52% of therapists are over 40 years old. The average age of a therapist is 41 years old.

How do you say thank you to a Counsellor? ›

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your help over the past 10 weeks. The whole time I felt like you listened to what I was saying and really took the time to understand. I don't quite know what I was expecting from the sessions, but it wasn't that!

How do I thank someone for their guidance and support? ›

Here are some short one-liners that you can send via email or text to thank someone for their support:
  1. Thank you for always being there to support me.
  2. I really appreciate your constant support.
  3. I'm really grateful for your unfailing support.
  4. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Apr 17, 2024

How do you show appreciation professionally? ›

Here are some phrases you can use to acknowledge someone's great work: “Thank you for a job well done.” “You continue to exceed my expectations — thank you for the hard work you put into everything.” “My special thanks to you for doing a great job on the project.”

How do you write a school appreciation message? ›

Appreciation Words for School from Parents
  1. Thank you for nurturing our child's love for learning.
  2. The dedication of the teachers and staff is commendable.
  3. Your commitment to our child's development is invaluable.
  4. Our child feels safe and supported at this school.
Oct 10, 2023

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