Teachers' perceptions of the roles and responsibilities of school counselors

Abstract

Teachers are the primary link between students and counselors Oftentimes, they are the individuals who refer students to counselor or consult with the counselor about a specific student need. If the counselor understands the expectations of the teacher, or what the teacher sees as the primary roles and responsibilities of the counselor, the students are to be better served when they receive counseling services. The counselor can then consult with the teacher, and have better knowledge of how the teacher sees counselors as successfully accommodating each students individual needs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the needs, desires and wishes of teachers regarding the roles and responsibilities of school counselors. In the spring of 2004, 65 teachers received a survey delineating 32 duties of school counselors. Teachers were asked whether they believe those duties were indeed those that should be handled by school counselors. The study revealed that teachers believe one of the primary duties of school counselors is to provide information to students regarding post-secondary education opportunities. Teachers were asked whether they believe those duties were indeed those that should be handled by school counselors. Teachers were asked whether they believe those duties were indeed those that should be handled by school counselors. The study revealed that teachers believe one of the primary duties of school counselors is to provide information to students regarding post-secondary education opportunities. Teachers also believe school counselors hold the responsibility of providing individual counseling to students and intervening in times of crises. This manuscript examines the history and development of the current trends in school counseling as well as suggestions for enhancement of guidance services.