Master Of Education In Counseling Education

The choices we make early in life have an enormous impact on our future. I have always known that I wanted to directly impact people’s lives and my personal experiences have set me on the school-counseling path. In the future, I would love to influence another generation of students to soar for their dreams.

My pursuit of becoming a School Counselor led me to apply to the School Counseling Master’s Program at University of Maryland, College Park. I am a former student at University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After graduating and teaching for two years in Prince George’s County Public Schools, I discovered my true passion lies not only in the classroom and students’ academics, but playing a pivotal role in the growth of their career, social, and personal development. Although I am no longer teaching full-time at the moment, my interaction with students from diverse backgrounds left an indelible responsibility to continue making a difference in our students. The objectives and mission of the School Counseling Master’s Program at University of Maryland can best help my goal of becoming an effective counselor and leader who is an agent of change to students and service the mental and emotional well-being of the younger generation.

Working in various school settings, I have been exposed to merely a glimpse of the future in which I pursue. I believe that this passion is driven by looking at my own school counselors when I was younger and realizing how great of an impact they have had on my life. From the counselors in elementary school that have helped me resolve issues with other children over a stolen crayon, to my counselors that pushed me over my limits at Rutgers University, I have become more aware of the positive impacts they have had on my life. I only aspire to be as great of a counselor to others, as they have been for me. This program embodies major values that I possess and would want to expand on in order to support the youth. Through the counseling program, I hope to gain more experience about how to help individuals in various topics such as academic support, self-development, and building relationships with these young

According to the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), the “purpose of the school counseling program is to impart specific skills and learning opportunities in a proactive, preventive manner, ensuring all students can achieve school success through academic, career, and personal/social development experiences” (Oberman & Studer, 2011, p. 1). The ASCA National Model is used by school counselors to show devotion to student success (ASCA, n.d.-c, p. 1). The four components of the ASCA National Model are foundation, delivery, management, and accountability (ASCA, n.d.-c, p. 1).

However, like many of my peers in the undergraduate community, I had a declared major but a persisting uncertainty and indecision about my future and career. Nevertheless, I continued to see myself in a personal setting with clients, where I could share psychological insight to those willing to open up and partake in personal growth. Through years of information, coursework, wise words from professors, and much personal insight, I decided to pursue a career in counseling

High school counselors also encounter structural constraints at the district and state level that prevent them from offering adequate college counseling for students. For example, financial constraints at the administrative level prevent school from hiring more school counselors when there is a need. At one time, college counseling was a high school counselor’s primary task, with counselors acting as “gatekeepers” to help a privileged few access college (Rosebaum, Miller, & Krei 1996). During the 1970s, counselors took on more visible administrative duties in order to maintain their positions (Lambie & Williamson, 2004). However, as responsibilities were added, none were removed, and high school counselors’ professional identities shifted,

On the school campus, school counselors are uniquely positioned to provide traditional counseling to students based on the request made by the student, parent, teacher, or administrator (Collins, 2014). Ultimately, the counseling service will be a direct service available to students with the purpose of promoting healthy academic, social, and emotional growth (Farrell et al.,

Transitions occur throughout life and there are numerous transitions students face within the school setting. Since school counselors support students in academic, career and college, and social and personal development, school counselors are in key positions to provide students with opportunities, equity, and access to programs that support smooth transitions and college and career readiness (Erford, 2015). Career development and transition programs are important because they support they can provide students with access and information to programs or careers that they may otherwise not have known about. In addition, transition programs can reduce student stress and anxiety, and can help to improve retention, achievement, and attendance rates (Cauley & Jovanovich, 2006). However, there are challenges that can occur, such as students not having access to rigorous courses or having no personal academic plan (Erford, 2015). Some ways to overcome this is to advocate for students to have rigorous courses that meet the students’ needs for their specific goals. Thus, school counselors can help students create personal academic plans that include college and career goals, and then schedule students in classes that will meet their future goals. In addition, the school counselor can provide valuable information to parents and help students that may not have college and career information provided to them at home.

How does a high school student know that he or she is ready to enter college? How do parents know their children are academically, mentally and emotionally ready for this transition? It is a question that has no definitive answer but does however have a basic theory that can’t be ignored. Preparing our children to enter college and to determine their career path can be a daunting task. The transition for students from high school to college really begins with the first taught lesson, the first hug, the first word and a collaborative effort; throughout a child’s lifetime we as a community pave the road to higher education.

approximately the same time to complete. (Long Island University) For some students their goal may be to achieve a master’s degree in counseling psychology to increase their acceptance to a Ph.D, or Phs.D program. (Capella University) Other students may choose to enter the workforce with a master’s in Counseling Psychology. The licensing process varies from state to state, but most graduates will expect to prove how they have met educational requirements, ability to practice, completion of fieldwork, and examination. (Capella University)

As an educator, I have had the privilege of working with a multitude of diverse students, each with their own unique skills,abilities, and experiences. Through my experiences in the classroom, I quickly realized my passion for helping others wasn't be utilized to it's maximum potential; thus, leading me to seek my Master's in School Counseling. After I completed my degree, I thoroughly enjoyed working with my students, not only individually, but also in a group setting. However, I quickly realized that, as a school counselor, my ability to work with students directly was often overshadowed by less meaningful tasks. I often felt an overwhelming sense of guilt for not being able to provide my students with the support they needed. Thus, after

Building on the goals of the elementary and middle school, the guidance and counseling program in the high school assists students in becoming responsible adults who can develop realistic and fulfilling life plans based on clear understanding of themselves and their needs, interests, and skills. The individual graduations plan developed in the middle school moves with the students to the high school and is reviewed and updated annually in accordance with the students’ postsecondary educational and occupational goals. Continued attention is given to assisting students to develop competence in decision making, career development,

Counselling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education and career goals (Spurgeon, 2012). Schools have been identified as one of the main settings for the promotion of well-being and mental health in children and young people (Department for Education and Employment, 2001; DCSF, 2008b, as cited in Harris, 2009). Counselling in an educational context establishes career and college planning, interpersonal concerns, family matters, substance use, and personal identity issues, dominating student’s awareness, with the counselling climate providing an appropriate environment to address these issues (Cormier & Hackney, 2012). Due to the increasing needs of counselling within schools, School Guidance Counsellors are a critical commodity for young people in today’s society.

As I envision my future as a school counselor, I will be providing services and support to students with mental health needs experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional disturbance. I will be working full time for the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) conducting individual and group counseling, family referrals, case management, school site intervention, crisis response, and risk assessment. I will be supporting the multidisciplinary team in identifying students with mental health needs while recognizing the importance of involvement from the family, school site, and student

Students are challenged daily to make decisions in an environment fraught with tension and uncertainty. Faced with social, economic, and cultural issues to a degree not experienced by previous generations, students must have proactive choices to nurture the potential they each have to become successful learners. The Guidance and Counseling Program, as an educational program, creates options for students to develop and emphasize strategies which enhance this potential.