14 Tips forNew School Counselors

1 Find a mentor schoolcounselor.

The South Dakota SchoolCounselor Association offers amentoring program to members.

Visit sdschoolcounselors.com formore information.

2 Visit with youradministrator todiscuss expectations.

Get a feel for his/her vision forthe school and understanding ofyour role. 

Discuss your responsibilities for theschool year.

3Complete theAnnual AdministratorConference.

This makes sure you are both 'onthe same page' for yourcounseling program's goals. 

Visit the ASCA National ModelTemplates & Resources to accessthe form.

4 Gather and collectdata.

Gather data to understand yourschool's strengths and areas forgrowth, such as achievementdata.

Collect data on perceived needsthrough needs assessments. 

5 Prepare introductorymaterials.

Create a brochure, presentation,and/or web site to introduceyourself and the role of the schoolcounselor to parents, teachers,students and the community.

6 Present "Meet theCounselor" lessons.

Present about your role as aschool counselor to every class. 

Educate teachers on your roleand meet with parents to explainwhat you do.

7 Become familiarwith the ASCANational Model.

Utilize the ASCA National Model,4th Edition to implement yourown school counseling program. 

Find implementation templates atthe ASCA National ModelTemplates & Resources page. 

8 Avoid the therapytrap.

Explain that school counselors donot provide long-term therapy.

ASCA's web site has resources onschool counselor roles, duties andcompetencies.

9 Complete a yearlycalendar ofactivities.

Update this yearly to have aroadmap of your plans for theschool year. 

Visit thehttps://doe.sd.gov/cte/counselors.aspx to view a calendar template.

10 Track your time.

A use of time assessment willshow how much time you spendon direct and indirect studentservices. 

Visit the ASCA National ModelTemplates & Resources to accessa Use-of-Time Calculator.

11 Establish an advisorycouncil.

This group should meet at leasttwice a year and is valuable toassist in validating andadvocating for your program. 

Visit the ASCA National ModelTemplates & Resources foradvisory council templates.

12 Plan yourprofessionaldevelopment.

Consider which conferences,workshops, webinars, etc. youplan to attend for the school yearto keep up with pertinent topics.

13 Join professionalassociations.

A few to consider are:South Dakota School CounselorAssociation (SDSCA), South DakotaCounseling Association (SDCA),and American School CounselorAssociation (ASCA). 

14 Practice self care.

The first year can be stressful!Don't forget to take care ofyourself. 

'Practice what you preach',utilizing self-care strategies. 

Make a colorful start to a successful first year!

References:Davis, P., Cooper, L., & Gay, J. (2018). Tools for new counselors. [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from 2018 ASCA Conference.20 essential tools for new school counselors. (n.d.). Retrieved from 2018 ASCA Conference.