How to Become a School Counselor in Kansas

:: 2025 Guide

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: December 5th, 2024

The Quiet Power of School Counselors: A Kansas Perspective

School counselors are the unsung heroes of education, quietly guiding students toward their full potential. In Kansas, their role has become increasingly vital, especially in light of recent challenges and educational trends.

The Evolving Role of School Counselors

In recent years, Kansas schools have faced a myriad of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, rising mental health concerns, and increased academic pressures. These factors have placed a significant strain on students, teachers, and parents alike. School counselors have stepped up to address these challenges, providing essential support services that go beyond traditional academic advising.

For instance, in the wake of the pandemic, many Kansas students experienced heightened levels of anxiety and depression. School counselors have been instrumental in providing mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and social-emotional learning programs to help students cope with these challenges.

The Impact of School Counseling on Student Success

Research has consistently shown that school counseling programs have a positive impact on student outcomes. By providing comprehensive support services, school counselors can help students:

  • Improve academic achievement: School counselors can help students set academic goals, develop effective study skills, and select appropriate courses.
  • Enhance social-emotional development: School counselors can teach students important social-emotional skills, such as empathy, self-awareness, and problem-solving.
  • Increase college and career readiness: School counselors can help students explore career options, complete college applications, and access financial aid.

Why Become a School Counselor in Kansas?

If you’re passionate about helping young people reach their full potential, a career in school counseling in Kansas may be the perfect fit. As a school counselor, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Make a difference in the lives of students: Every day, you’ll have the chance to positively impact the lives of students by providing guidance, support, and encouragement.
  • Work with a diverse population: Kansas schools serve a diverse range of students, providing you with opportunities to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
  • Collaborate with educators and community partners: You’ll have the opportunity to work with teachers, administrators, parents, and community organizations to create a comprehensive support system for students.
  • Advance your career: School counseling offers a variety of career paths, including school counseling supervisor, college counselor, and mental health counselor.

Kansas School Counselor Certification

School counselor certification in Kansas is a rigorous process designed to ensure that counselors possess the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support students. This certification not only guarantees quality but also fosters a competitive job market and stable career opportunities for school counselors.

Pathways to School Counselor Certification

Kansas offers three distinct pathways to school counselor certification:

  1. Provisional School Specialist License:

  2. Initial School Specialist License:

    • Requires a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution.
    • Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 in coursework specific to school counseling and complete additional field experiences.
    • Successful completion of a state board-approved school counselor assessment is also required.
    • See Initial Kansas School Counselor Certification requirements
  3. Professional School Specialist License:

    • Requires completion of a state board-approved performance assessment and one year of recent practical experience or eight semester hours of recent credit.
    • Applicants must hold a valid professional teaching license and complete a year-long approved mentoring program.

By following these pathways, aspiring school counselors can achieve certification and embark on rewarding careers dedicated to student success.