School Counselors design and implement a comprehensive school counseling program that enhances and promotes student achievement, social emotional learning, and career/postsecondary development.  An essential part of a school’s mission, School Counselors are driven by a question posed by the American School Counselor Association, “how are students different as a result of what school counselors do?”.  School Counselors are trained professionals who emphasize the development of healthy relationships, are instrumental in fostering communication between schools and families, are invested in students’ social emotional learning development.  The comprehensive program is delivered to K-12 students using identified professional competencies through direct services (individual counseling, student planning sessions, group counseling, response to crises, and classroom lessons) and indirect services (collaboration and consultation with school personnel, families, and community agencies).  There is constant collaboration with administrators, teachers, social workers, school nurses, exceptional children case managers, and school psychologists in order to address the needs of the whole child.  Professional School Counselors advocate for students and families to promote access to opportunities and equity among all students in the district.

School Counselors obtain Masters degrees and hold professional educator licenses.  Many pursue and have obtained additional credentials such as National Board for Professional Teaching Standards  certification and qualify as National Certified Counselors through the National Board for Certified Counseling.  Through professional development, School Counselors demonstrate their commitment to professionalism and expertise in their field to better serve the families of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.