The Guidance CounselorINTRODUCTIONAccording to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the United States Department of Labor, counselors are defined as people who “help people with personal, family, educational decisions and problems , mental health and career. Their functions depend on the people they serve and the contexts in which they work” (169). Examples include mental health counselors who help people deal with everyday life problems such as marital, family, stress management, or addiction problems. These advisors mainly work in private offices. Rehabilitation counselors help people deal with different aspects of their physical disability. These counselors usually work in medical facilities. Employment counselors help individuals make wise career choices and most of these counselors work in community organizations. Counseling is therefore a diverse field that encompasses a range of situations and contexts. This report will focus on high school guidance counselors. The main focus will be to discuss the educational requirements needed to apply for jobs in the field, the necessary skills and abilities desired by employers, and the primary duties of the position. EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Requirements vary by state for specific types of degrees and/or licenses and certifications that guidance counselors must hold. Missouri law requires all high school guidance counselors to hold secondary counselor certification. Certification criteria are listed below and were obtained from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Individuals interested in becoming career counselors should understand that acquiring certification requires a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and education. Initial Certification The professional certificate is valid for five years from the effective date of the certificate and is issued to individuals meeting the following criteria: · A valid Missouri teaching certificate · A minimum of two years of teaching experience classroom teaching · A minimum of one year of work experience in a field other than teaching or counseling · Completion of an outstanding course in education and/or child psychology worth two semesters or more hours · Completion of a master's degree with a concentration in guidance and counseling from a college or university meeting approval from the Missouri Department of Elementary...... middle of article.. ....ctices.Bibliography: Works Cited “Certification Requirements for Secondary Counselor (Grades 9-12)”. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. March 6, 1998. (November 2, 1998).Chiles, Donna. School guidance and counseling. Manual of Recommended Practices and Procedures for School Personnel Services. Springfield: Illinois State Board of Education, 1983. Ellis, Thomas I. The Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Model. Ann Arbor: ERIC Clearinghouse, 1990. Feller, Richard and Daly, J. The Counselor's Role and Educational Change: Planning, Integration, and Core Skills: Book 5 - Comprehensive School Counseling and Guidance Programs. Fort Collins: Colorado State University, 1992. King, Gloria. Director of Personnel, Saint-Louis Public Schools. Telephone interview. October 27, 1998. Thomas, Preston. Director of Student Services, Cardinal Ritter College Prepatory High School. Personal interview. November 4, 1998. Thompson, Rosemary. School board renewal: Strategies for the twenty-first century. Muncie: Accelerated Development.., 1998.