Programs and Services

What is a professional school counselor?

The role of the DeSoto ISD counselors is to help all students at their local campuses fully develop their academic, career, personal, and social abilities. School counselors work with the school faculty and staff, students, parents, and the community to plan, implement, and evaluate developmental guidance and counseling programs for all students. (TEC. Section 33.005)

What are their qualifications?

DeSoto ISD counselors are state-certified professionals with a master’s degree in counseling that have a minimum of two years of classroom teaching experience. They must have passed a state mandated test and received certification from the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Counselors continue their professional development by attending workshops and 
conferences on an ongoing basis.

What does a school counselor do?

The school counselor’s job includes the following:

  • Counsel individuals and small groups of students to meet identified needs.
  • Deliver the guidance curriculum and assist teachers with the school’s guidance curriculum.
  • Consult with parents, teachers, and other staff regarding concerns about student’s needs.
  • Coordinate people and resources in the community for the benefit of students.
  • Participate in planning, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive developmental guidance and counseling program to serve all students.
  • Know about and adhere to the ethical, legal, and professional standards of the counseling profession.

How does a student contact the school counselor?

Students may come by or contact the counseling office anytime to make an appointment or speak with a counselor. Students may also be referred to a counselor by a teacher, administrator, staff member, parent, or peer. Counselors may also request to visit with a student based on observations or concern with a student’s behavior or actions.

What services do school counselors provide?

  • Assist new students with transition
  • Guide students through registration and orientation
  • Address academic achievement concerns, post-secondary plans (college, technical schools, financial aid)
  • Interpret standardized tests and results
  • Direct students to academic assistance
  • Intervene in crisis situations
  • Provide counsel for family transitions (i.e. death, divorce, re-marriage, new sibling, etc.)
  • Mediate peer disputes
  • Help students adjust to school, changes
  • Develop student intervention teams
  • Counsel students with personal or educational concerns
  • Provide referrals to special programs
  • Facilitate parent/teacher communication
  • Review student records
  • Provide career, college, and financial aid information
  • Assist teachers with student needs
  • Provide referral information on community resources for eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, suicide, etc.
  • Provide summer school information
  • Organize annual college night event