School counselors are members of the education leadership team and serve a vital role in maximizing student success. Through advocacy and collaboration, the school counselor promotes equity and access to opportunities and educational experiences that develop strategies for academic achievement, managing emotions and developing interpersonal skills, and making plans for career and college.
To provide a safe and welcoming learning environment, school counselors support individual student academic planning and goal setting, deliver classroom lessons aligned with standards, provide short-term counseling and make referrals for long-term support for students, advocate for students at IEP, 504, and other student-focused meetings, and analyze data to identify student issues, needs, and challenges. School counselors continuously collaborate with families, teachers, administrators, and the community to address the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs that are a part of a comprehensive school counseling program.
Maine's New Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model
The DOE is excited to share an updated and Maine-specific CSCP which has been the culmination of an extensive review, feedback, and editing process. We wish to extend a large thank you to school counselors Erin Flynn and Anastasia Alexis for their coordinated efforts in making this project a success as well as all others who engaged in this important process. Please find links to the model and resources below.
Role of the School Counselor
Professional school counselors deliver a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses all students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development. School counselors are certified professionals with a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling, making them uniquely qualified to address the developmental needs of all students.
Comprehensive School Counseling Program
Models from other states
Resources for School Counselors
Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA)
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
Maine Counseling Association (MECA)
Maine Career Development Association (MCDA)
Contact Search in NEO - School Counselors (Guidance Counselors)
Certification