Guidance Counselors

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the employment of school counselors will increase by 4 percent through 2033, or as fast as the average for all careers. State legislation requiring counselors at the elementary school level, growing student populations, and increasing duties for counselors at all levels will ensure continued demand for workers in this field. Job growth may slow as a result of reduced educational funding by state and local governments.

Violence remains an issue in some schools, and some students are afraid to go to school. This fear may be a result of the rash of shootings and gang-related violence that has plagued some schools in recent years. The federal government has called for more counselors in the schools to help address issues of violence and other dangers, such as drug use. The government, along with counseling professionals, is also working to remove the stigma of mental illness and to encourage more children and families to seek help from school counselors. To keep schools safe, guidance counselors may be more actively involved in instituting and maintaining discipline policies.

Technology will continue to assist counselors in their jobs. With Internet access in school libraries and in career centers, counselors can easily direct students to specific career information, scholarship applications, and college Web sites. School counselors may also follow the lead of Internet counselors and offer guidance online; students seeking anonymity can request information and advice from their counselors through e-mail and other online services.