School Counseling
Overview
School counselors at AACPS address prevention, intervention and student developmental needs through a comprehensive school counseling program to ensure that students know:
they have dignity and worth
they have a right to participate in a comprehensive school counseling program
their ethnic, cultural, racial, sexual differences and special needs will be considered in their school counseling experience
School counselors will address the academic, career and social emotional development of all students with the goal of ensuring that all students are prepared with and have access to the knowledge and skills to contribute at the highest level.
School counselors are available in all AACPS schools, elementary, middle and high. The AACPS School Counseling program is fully aligned with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Guidelines and the ASCA National Framework, published by the American School Counselor Association. Services vary by level.
Elementary school counselors deliver classroom lessons on a variety of developmentally appropriate topics, including, but not limited to, personal safety, goal-setting, social interaction, academic success, problem-solving and communication skills. They also work in small groups and individually with students on identified topics, as needed. Elementary counselors are partners and consultants with school staff and parents to assist with behavior management and developmental challenges.
Middle school counselors assist with transitioning new students, including advising parents and students on course selection and challenges related to early adolescents. Basing their program solidly in Social Emotional Learning competencies, they provide classroom lessons and small group interventions on topics such as conflict resolution and school success skills pertinent to middle school age young people. They meet individually with students in need of additional support with interpersonal issues. Middle school counselors identify, track and provide assistance to students who are in danger of failing a subject, including organization, study skills and goal-setting lessons. As students prepare to transition to high school, there is a focus on college and career exploration that lays a foundation for post-high school planning.
High school counselors advise students on course selection, helping them to make appropriate choices that align with their future plans. They provide information on options available to students, including career and technology education, magnet programs, and dual enrollment opportunities at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC). They are integral in the post-secondary process, assisting with registration for college entrance exams (PSAT, SAT, ACT), accessing financial aid and scholarship opportunities. As at the other levels, they are available to provide counseling support to students who may be experiencing social-emotional challenges or difficulties in the post-secondary process.
The high school counselors support students and their parents/guardians as they navigate the college application process. All high school students have access to Naviance©, a web-based tool for helping students with college and career planning.
Contact information for school counselors is available on each school's homepage. Resources for parents are available down below.
If you are interested in becoming a professional school counselor in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, screening interviews are held in the fall and in the spring. The Office of School Counseling uses a rigorous screening process to identify highly qualified candidates. Candidates may apply on HR Navigator.
If you are interested in completing a school counseling internship or practicum program in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, applications are accepted in the fall and spring. The deadline for fall placement is May 1st and the deadline for spring placement is November 1st. Please contact Professional Growth and Development at (410) 721-8308 for details. More information here.
Resources