Vermont Initial School Counselor Certification

Initial Vermont School Counselor Certification Requirements

Becoming a certified School Counselor in Vermont involves understanding the state’s specific requirements and procedures. In Vermont, there are two certifications for initial school counselors.

Initial Level I School Counselor License (valid for 3 years)

The Initial Level I School Counselor License in Vermont serves as the entry point for aspiring school counselors, validating that they possess the foundational knowledge and skills required to support students effectively. This license, valid for three (3) years, necessitates the completion of specific educational and experiential criteria, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared to address the diverse needs of students (see traditional path overview).

Temporary School Counselor License

A Temporary School Counselor License is designed to address staffing shortages by providing short-term certification when fully licensed candidates are unavailable. Initiated by a formal request from a Superintendent or Career Technical Education (CTE) Director to the Agency of Education, the request must show that the district has actively advertised the position but has been unable to find a suitable licensed candidate. The application process for this temporary license requires explicit permission from the Agency of Education, which, upon approval, provides further application instructions. The license is typically valid until a fully licensed School Counselor is hired or until the end of the school year, with specific terms and renewal conditions determined by the Agency (see temporary certification overview).

Below are the details of essential steps and qualifications for the Initial Level 1 School Counselor License (temporary license steps are not listed due to the rare nature of this option – see temporary license overview for more information). By following these guidelines, aspiring school counselors can confidently meet all the necessary criteria to achieve their initial certification.

Education or Degree Requirements

To become a certified School Counselor in Vermont, you need to have a master’s degree in School Counseling or an equivalent degree. Search all local Vermont school counseling degree programs.

Here are some tips to help you meet these requirements:

• Research Programs: Look for accredited programs that meet the state requirements. Ensure the program is comprehensive and includes coursework in counseling theories, human development, ethics, and professional practice.

• Internship and Practicum: Verify that the program offers a supervised internship (600 clock hours) with at least 60 hours at both the elementary (PK-6) and secondary (7-12) levels. This is crucial for gaining practical experience.

• Endorsement: Ensure the program provides an endorsement upon completion. This endorsement is necessary for your certification application.

• Accreditation Documentation: Collect and keep the official documentation of accreditation from your program. This will be required during the application process.

Experience Requirements

You must complete a supervised internship of at least 600 clock hours in counseling, with at least 60 hours of experience at both the elementary (PK-6) and middle/secondary (7-12) levels under the supervision of a licensed School Counselor. Here are some detailed steps:

• Secure a Qualified Supervisor: Ensure your internship is supervised by a licensed School Counselor who is approved by your educational institution.

• Diverse Experience: Make sure your internship covers a range of counseling activities at both the elementary and secondary levels to meet the 60-hour requirement in each.

• Documentation: Keep detailed records of your hours and activities during the internship. This documentation will be necessary for your application.

Testing Requirements

Candidates seeking initial educator licensure in Vermont must demonstrate proficiency in the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics. This is usually done by successfully passing the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE®) tests, but alternative assessments are also accepted.

Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests:

• Reading (Test Code 5713): The passing score is 156
• Writing (Test Code 5723): The passing score is 162
• Mathematics (Test Code 5733): The passing score is 146

Candidates can register for these tests through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The combined test includes all three (3) sub-tests (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) and can be taken in one sitting.

Alternative Assessments:

Applicants can demonstrate basic skills proficiency through other assessments such as SAT, ACT, GRE, ASVAB, or approved course evaluations. Here are the qualifying scores for these alternatives:

Reading:

• SAT Verbal: 420 (Before 4/1/1995), 500 (4/1/1995 – 3/1/2016), 480 (After 3/1/2016)
• ACT English: 18
• GRE Verbal: 500 (Before 8/1/2011), 153 (After 8/1/2011)
• ASVAB AFQT: 65
• Passing score on a teacher licensure Basic Skills test in another US State
• Approved Course Evaluation

Writing:

• SAT Verbal: 420 (Before 4/1/1995), 500 (4/1/1995 – 3/1/2016), 480 (After 3/1/2016)
• ACT English: 18
• GRE Verbal: 500 (Before 8/1/2011), 153 (After 8/1/2011)
• ASVAB AFQT: 65
• Passing score on a teacher licensure Basic Skills test in another US State
• Approved Course Evaluation

Mathematics:

• SAT Math: 470 (Before 4/1/1995), 500 (4/1/1995 – 3/1/2016), 530 (After 3/1/2016)
• ACT Math: 18
• GRE Quantitative: 500 (Before 8/1/2011), 144 (After 8/1/2011)
• ASVAB AFQT: 65
• Passing score on a teacher licensure Basic Skills test in another US State
• Approved Course Evaluation

Registration for Praxis tests, including details on test dates, locations, and fees, is managed by ETS. Test takers can register and find more information on the ETS Praxis website. The fee for the combined Praxis Core test is typically around $150, plus an additional $40 for the testing service. However, these fees are subject to change, so it’s important to check the ETS website for the most current information.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and security of students by verifying that educators do not have disqualifying criminal histories. This process helps maintain a safe educational environment (see criminal background check overview).

Requirements for the Background Check

• Fingerprinting:
  • Schedule an appointment at a local police station or an approved fingerprinting center.
  • Out-of-state applicants must submit fingerprint cards.
• Submission:
  • Print and sign the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) Fingerprint Authorization Certificate (FAC) after submitting your Renewal, Reinstatement, or Initial application to the VT Agency of Education.
  • Bring the signed FAC form to your fingerprinting appointment. The form must include the AOE Agency of Education Code 00417.
  • Upload the receipt of fingerprinting within 15 calendar days from the date the application was submitted to the AOE.
• Results:
  • The VCIC will send the Criminal Record Check results to the AOE within 6-12 weeks after fingerprints are taken.
  • The application will be finalized once the AOE receives the CRC report and any other outstanding requirements are met.
• Associated Fees:
  • A fee of $13.25 is required for the fingerprint-supported Criminal Record Check, payable to the Vermont Department of Public Safety when you submit your background check application.

For further detailed instructions, you can refer to the Vermont Department of Education’s criminal record check instructions.

Application Process

Initiate the online application process through the Online Licensing System (ALiS). Note that only certain browsers are compatible with the ALiS system, and Mac systems are not compatible.

• Sign in to your ALiS portal. If you encounter an error message stating your social security number is already in the system, proceed as an existing Vermont educator.
• Gather all transcripts from the college/university where your degree was obtained. Transcripts must include the official seal, date of degree acquisition, recommendation, and signature of approval. These can be sent digitally.
• Include a copy of your out-of-state license, if applicable.
• Upload your examination reports and scores.
• Fill out all required forms including the Good Standing form and disclosure form.
• Print the authorized fingerprint certificate for use at the fingerprinting facility.
• If you have opted for an alternate route preparation program, ensure all documentation is scanned and included in your application.
• The initial certification fee is $200 and $50 of this fee is non-refundable.

All communication about your application will be sent via email, so regularly check your spam/junk folders to ensure you receive all updates regarding your application process. By following these steps and ensuring all materials and fees are properly submitted, you will complete the application process for Vermont educator licensure.