Do I have to have experience as a teacher to be a school guidance counseler?
I am willing (and eager) to eventually go back to school for a Master's in Counseling & my Pupil Personnel Services Credential, as required by the state of CA. While I have experience within the classroom and in mentoring/tutoring positions, I am not sure I am willing to go back to school for a teaching credential and teach for a few years before moving on to counseling. Would I be less likely to receive job offers because I have not specifically been a teacher?
5 answers
norma’s Answer
Jillian’s Answer
Not all districts require classroom teaching as a pre-req for a counseling job. I’ve worked in two Public districts and one private school (Bakersfield, actually). Bakersfield required the teaching years- I went private bc like you said— I wasn’t going to go into a classroom to then transition to counseling 3-4 years later.
I think that your substitute background will definitely help you and give you that classroom experience which is what they want.
Good luck!
Carl’s Answer
TLAURENTONI’s Answer
Favour Chiamaka’s Answer
This might be stressful but believe me, Anne, you should give it a trial, it's worth it