School Counselor Resume Guidance

School counselors provide support to students in their academic, social, and emotional development. Highlight your experience in developing and implementing counseling programs, collaborating with teachers and parents, and providing crisis intervention on your resume.

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1. Contact Information

Include at the top:

• Full Name
• Professional Email Address
• Phone Number
• City, State (Optional: Add LinkedIn or a personal website if relevant for showcasing professional achievements or counseling programs.)

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2. Professional Summary

A concise, 2-3 sentence overview that highlights your counseling experience, skills, and what you bring to the school community.

Example:
“Compassionate and dedicated School Counselor with 5+ years of experience supporting K-12 students in academic, social, and emotional development. Skilled in implementing evidence-based counseling programs, promoting mental health awareness, and collaborating with educators to foster a positive learning environment. Passionate about empowering students to achieve their full potential.”

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3. Key Skills

Highlight skills that align with the job description and showcase your counseling expertise.

Examples:

• Individual & Group Counseling
• Academic Advising & Career Planning
• Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs
• College Application & Scholarship Guidance
• Behavioral Assessment & Intervention
• Mental Health Advocacy
• Parent & Teacher Collaboration
• Program Development & Implementation
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives
• Record Keeping & Confidentiality (FERPA Compliance)
• Counseling Tools & Software: Naviance, Infinite Campus, Schoology

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4. Professional Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements and contributions that demonstrate your impact as a school counselor.

Example 1: School Counselor
Sunrise High School, Dallas, TX | August 2018 – Present

• Provided individual and group counseling to over 250 students annually, addressing academic challenges, career planning, and personal development.
• Implemented a school-wide mental health awareness campaign, increasing student participation in wellness programs by 30%.
• Collaborated with teachers and parents to develop personalized intervention plans for at-risk students, improving academic performance by 20%.
• Facilitated workshops on bullying prevention, time management, and college preparation, benefiting over 500 students.
• Maintained detailed, confidential records of student progress in compliance with FERPA regulations.

Example 2: Guidance Counselor Intern
Lincoln Middle School, Austin, TX | January 2017 – June 2018

• Assisted lead counselors in creating and implementing social-emotional learning programs for grades 6-8.
• Conducted weekly group sessions for students struggling with peer relationships and self-esteem.
• Supported students in completing high school transition plans, including academic course selection.
• Prepared detailed case notes and collaborated with staff on intervention strategies for behavioral concerns.

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5. Education

List your degrees and any relevant coursework or honors.

Example:

• Master of Education in School Counseling, University of Texas, Austin | 2017
  • Relevant Coursework: Adolescent Development, Counseling Theories, Crisis Intervention Strategies
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Texas A&M University | 2015

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6. Certifications & Licenses

Include any required certifications or licenses for school counseling in your state.

Examples:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
• National Certified Counselor (NCC) – National Board for Certified Counselors
• Certified School Counselor – State of Texas

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7. Professional Development & Training (Optional but Valuable)

Include additional training or workshops you’ve completed to enhance your counseling skills.

Examples:

• Trauma-Informed Counseling Certification
• Mindfulness in Education Training
• Restorative Practices Workshop
• LGBTQ+ Student Support Training

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8. Technical Proficiencies (Optional)

Highlight familiarity with tools and software commonly used in school counseling.

Examples:

• Student Management Systems: Naviance, PowerSchool, Infinite Campus
• Presentation Tools: Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi
• Communication Platforms: Zoom, Google Classroom

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9. Additional Sections (Optional)

Add these sections if they strengthen your application:

Awards & Recognitions

• Outstanding School Counselor of the Year, Texas School Counselor Association (2022)
• Excellence in Student Support, Sunrise High School (2021)

Professional Memberships

• American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
• State School Counselor Association

Volunteer Work

• Community Youth Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Languages

• Fluent in Spanish and English (valuable for bilingual counseling roles).

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Tips for a Strong School Counselor Resume

Show Your Passion: Include examples of your dedication to student success, such as organizing community events or mentoring programs.

Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your counseling initiatives improved student outcomes or the school environment (e.g., “Improved student engagement in counseling programs by 40%”).

Highlight Collaboration: Show your ability to work with teachers, parents, and administrators to support student development.

Use Keywords: Tailor your resume to the job description by including relevant keywords like “SEL,” “academic advising,” or “crisis intervention.”

Stay Professional & Concise: Keep your resume to 1-2 pages, using bullet points for easy readability.

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