School Counselors
School Counseling Department
The Department of School Counseling strives to support school counseling teams to assist them in implementing the district's mission and vision through comprehensive school counseling programming. We offer sustained professional learning, job-embedded coaching, and practical tools that make comprehensive, equitable programming feasible at every grade level. Our office supports internship and practicum pathways to develop the next generation of school counselors and strengthens the profession by promoting evidence-based practices and state licensure expectations.
Our department is committed to equity and access: we use data to identify opportunity gaps, tailor interventions for historically underserved students, and align counseling practice with district strategic goals so that every student — regardless of background — has a clear pathway to success. We collaborate with families, teachers, administrators, and community partners to remove barriers and expand opportunity for all learners.
The Role of the School Counselor
School counselors in Atlanta Public Schools are an integral component of each school’s academic mission. APS School Counselors design and deliver comprehensive school counseling programs that promote student achievement, are standards-based, equity-focused, and data-driven.
School Counselors provide Direct and Indirect Services for students.
Direct Services are in-person interactions between school counselors and students that include:
- Instruction: School Counseling Classroom Lessons
- Appraisal and Advisement: Data Collection and Analysis
- Counseling: Small Group and Individual Counseling*
- Indirect Services are provided on behalf of students as a result of the school counselors’ interactions with others including:
- Consultation: Sharing strategies that support student achievement with parents and other stakeholders
- Collaboration: Teachers, Parents, Administrators
- Referral: To support students and families with resources for additional information and assistance
Please be aware that school counselors do not provide mental health therapy or long-term counseling in schools. However, school counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families seeking resources.
The American School Counselor Association describes school counselors as “highly educated, professionally certified individuals who help students succeed in school and plan their career” (ASCA, 2019).
