Teacher perceptions of the role of a school counselor

by Skutley, Katherine E.

Schools and school professionals today face a tremendous range of challenges created by cultural, political, economic, and social changes occurring in the twenty-first century. Given this daunting array of challenges, school counselors need to clearly educate and explain their role as an integral member in the total educational environment. Now more than ever, school counselors are challenged to demonstrate and gain evidence of their effectiveness. Through data collection and documentation, accountability can be shown and support can continue to link student success to the school counseling profession. The purpose of this study was to examine teacher perceptions of the role of a school counselor and the services delivered in a middle school in the Eau Claire Area School District. Data was collected through the use of a survey during the fall semester of the 2006-2007 school year. This study investigated the Research Adviser: Dr. Amy L. Gillett MonthNear: December, 2006 Number of Pages: 40 Style Manual Used: American Psychological Association, sth edition perceived needs of students, preferred counseling services, and the strengths and needs of the current guidance program. The findings from this study revealed the top three teacher-perceived issues facing middle school students. The identified issues were: peer pressure, unsupportive home environments, and bullylnglteasing. In addition, the results of the study presented the teacher-preferred counseling services of individual and small group counseling for their students. While more of these services were also recognized as needs of the guidance department, the additional needs of increased staffing and visibility in the school were mentioned as well. Lastly, many perceived strengths overlapped with recommendations named by the teachers. Overall, the teachers expressed the desire for counselors to continually be involved with them as well as in the students' lives. The Graduate School University of Wisconsin Stout Menomonie, WI