National School Counseling Week is observed from February 3 to 7 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.
2005
Counselor Certification
30 states in the U.S. are given financial incentives for certification practices for school counselors.
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
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.
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.
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
Jesse B. Davis
He was the first to provide a systematic school counseling program focused on career development in 1907.
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.
Wartime
In the early 1940s, the school counseling movement was affected by counselors having to help assess students for wartime needs.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 7 | Monday |
| 2023 | February 6 | Monday |
| 2024 | February 5 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 2 | Monday |
