Question for School Counselors

Looking for your opinions/advice:

Knowing the job market for school counselors is extremely tight, would you reccomend someone to begin the degree?

I took 15 credits last year and I loved it. Currently I am a teacher and have not continued the program. WOuld you reccommend it knowing how grim the outlook is of finding a job. Mind you, I do not have many contacts within the schools.

Re: Question for School Counselors

do you need the masters anyway (is it your first?) I have my MS in counseling, but I decided to not pursue it and stayed in teaching (the job market was crappy back them too for counselors - 2000). But I got a raise for it and permanantly certified...so if you enjoy it...why not see what happens.

Re: Question for School Counselors

Yes I do have a masters. However, I have been on the edge with my job each year. My certification is 1-6 but I had a difficult time finding a job in an elementary school. So, the only way I was able to break into the sytem was by accepting a job in a middle school. My first year I taught seventh grade science and I was excessed. This year I am teaching sixth grade science in a middle school and I am most likely going to be excessed again.

So, long story short I have not had any security or stability and I am not sure if I ever will at this point. Counseling doesn't appear to be either.

I feel like I am at a loss!

Re: Question for School Counselors

I love my job; as much as I complain about my school, I could never leave the profession.

That being said, it was a fight and a half to get where I am. I finished my masters in '04 and the job market for counselors was awful even when the economy was good. I understand what you're saying about job security, but IMO a masters in counseling is not going to give you that.

If you want an additional degree, what about going for gifted and talented or literacy or SpEd? That might help make you more marketable.

Re: Question for School Counselors

I was thinking about G&T but do you think there is a demand for it?

I absolutely agree that counseling will not give me stability but what I am trying to say is that atleast I would be 100% happy if I secured a job.