How to Become a School Counselor in Minnesota

:: 2025 Guide

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: January 10th, 2025

Why Minnesota Needs School Counselors: A Deep Dive

The Unsung Heroes of Education

School counselors. Ever heard of ’em? Probably. But do you really know what they do? Sure, they might hand out college brochures or help a kid with a sticky situation, but there’s a whole lot more going on behind the scenes.

The Role of the School Counselor

A school counselor is more than just a friendly face in the hallway.They’re the glue that holds a school together, the quiet force that guides students towards their full potential. Their role is multifaceted, encompassing:

  • Academic Counseling: Helping students set academic goals, choose courses, and improve study skills.
  • Career Counseling: Guiding students towards fulfilling career paths, exploring interests, and developing job-seeking skills.
  • Social-Emotional Learning: Supporting students’ mental health, teaching coping strategies, and fostering positive relationships.
  • Crisis Intervention: Responding to emergencies, providing immediate support, and connecting students with necessary resources.

Why Minnesota Needs School Counselors Now More Than Ever

Minnesota, like many states, has been grappling with a mental health crisis among its youth. Recent studies have shown a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among students. School counselors are on the front lines of this crisis, providing essential support and intervention.

For instance, a recent news article highlighted the impact of the pandemic on Minnesota students’ mental health. School counselors have been instrumental in helping students cope with the challenges of remote learning, social isolation, and increased stress.

The Rewards of Becoming a School Counselor in Minnesota

If you’re considering a career in school counseling, Minnesota offers a unique and rewarding opportunity. Here’s why:

  • Making a Difference: School counselors have the power to positively impact the lives of countless students. By providing guidance, support, and advocacy, you can help shape the future of young people.
  • Diverse Opportunities: Minnesota offers a wide range of school counseling settings, from urban districts to rural schools. You can find a position that aligns with your interests and passions.
  • Strong Professional Support: Minnesota has a thriving school counseling community, with numerous professional organizations and networking opportunities.
  • Competitive Compensation and Benefits: School counselors in Minnesota enjoy competitive salaries and benefits packages.

Minnesota School Counselor Certification

Certification for school counselors in Minnesota is a vital process that ensures professionals meet stringent standards and qualifications to effectively support students. This certification is imperative to guarantee that counselors possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and ethical standards to serve students and families effectively. Ultimately, it underscores a commitment to professionalism and competence within the field and bolsters the social and economic well-being of counselors and the communities they serve.

In Minnesota, the certification process for school counselors follows a tiered structure, with each tier reflecting varying levels of education, experience, and proficiency. In the realm of education, it’s essential to note that the minimum educational requirement for aspiring school counselors is a master’s degree. See detailed requirements and certification for Initial Minnesota School Counselor Certification Requirements.

Below is a brief overview of the distinct tiers of certification for school counselors:

Tier 2 (see Admin Code Regulations):

Education Requirement: Hold a master’s degree in counseling OR possess a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in an accredited school counselor program with at least 24 semester credit hours in school counseling coursework.

Responsibilities: Tier 2 school counselors provide counseling services spanning kindergarten through grade 12, focusing on proactive measures to enhance cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development.

Supervision and Evaluation: Mandatory participation in mentorship and evaluation, aligned with the district’s teacher development and evaluation model.

Duration and Renewal: Valid for two (2) years and renewable thrice. Renewal necessitates engagement in mentorship and evaluation aligned with the district’s evaluation model.

Effective July 1, 2024, there will be modifications to the eligibility requirements for Tier 2.

Tier 3 (see Admin Code Regulations):

Education Requirement: Hold a master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university or its equivalent.

Responsibilities: Tier 3 school counselors provide counseling services from kindergarten through grade 12, concentrating on fostering academic, career, and personal/social development.

Duration and Renewal: This certification has a three (3)-year expiration date and is renewable indefinitely. Renewal adheres to the guidelines of the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board governing professional licensure.

Tier 4 (see Admin Code Regulations):

Education Requirement: Fulfill all prerequisites for Tier 3 licensure. Additionally, accumulated at least three (3) years of experience as a school counselor in Minnesota.

Responsibilities: Tier 4 school counselors possess extensive experience and expertise in delivering counseling services to students. They may assume leadership roles within their schools or districts.

Duration and Renewal: Tier 4 certification is valid for five (5) years and is renewable indefinitely. Renewal aligns with the regulations of the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board governing professional licensure.

Each tier of certification reflects progressive levels of education, experience, and proficiency, ensuring that school counselors in Minnesota are well-prepared to champion the academic, career, and personal/social development of every student they serve.