The role of School Counselors

The DCPS School Counseling Department is a component of the Office of Secondary Schools

School counselors are certified, professional educators who improve student success for ALL students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program. Counselors, at a minimum, hold a master’s degree in School Counseling and are credentialed and certified through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in DC.

The School Counselor’s Role[PDF]
Counselors focus on the academic, social/emotional, college and career success of PK-12 students. They engage in short-term individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom lessons with their students.

Counselors also focus on helping students to establish personal goals and plan for the future. In the secondary setting, this includes academic advising, planning, and tracking course requirements. These activities are conducted through joining alongside within a student’s journey: to encourage and walk together.

Finally, counselors assist in crisis response, consult, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to promote the well-being of their students.

Best Practices for School Counselors
Guidance Counselors vs. School Counselors

Contact Us

If you have any questions about school counseling, please contact the members of the School Counseling Team in Central Office:

School Counseling Manager: Dr. Fallon Dodson
School Counseling Coordinator: Mr. Steve Rockey

Recommended

Student Corner

Most Popular

Latest Posts

Essential Tips for Student Mental Health This Holiday Season

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year, but they can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially for students who are juggling their academics, assignments, and other responsibilities. We’ll discuss some essential tips for student mental health this...

Understanding Early Literacy Screening at DCPS

For parents with young readers at home, this informative video by Dr. Helen Behr provides insights into the literacy screening process for kindergarteners and first graders at DCPS. Learn more about what it entails and how it can identify...

The Special Education Process at DCPS: A Guide for Parents

What does the Special Education Process from referral to eligibility to IEP development look like at DCPS? Hear from our our Specialized Instructional team about the process to follow to receive specialized instruction supports. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6_Z01781Os Photo by Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash
Translate »