Counseling

School Counselor Qualifications
School counselors hold a Master's degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university as well as school counselor certification from the AZ Department of Education.
 
School Counselor Responsibilities
By utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, school counselors promote student academic success, provide preventive services, and respond to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses academic, career, and personal/social development for all students. The roles and responsibilities of the MUSD Professional School Counselor include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and deliver the school counseling curriculum
• Assist students in the areas of academic, social/emotional, and career development
• Provide small group counseling to students with identified needs and concerns 
• Consult and collaborate with teachers, staff and families in understanding and meeting the needs of students in the school setting
• Make appropriate referrals for students and families to outside agencies and specialists
• Participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school
• Review the school counseling program annually with other district counselors and administrators for continuous improvement
• Pursue continuous professional development to stay abreast of new developments within the field
• Promote an understanding and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures
• Monitor and advise students and their families as they progress towards promotion and graduation
• Prepare students for the transition to the next level: middle school, high school, and post high school
• Adhere to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession

Our Belief
We believe that the school counseling programs should be an integral part of the total educational system and available to all students.  School counselors are leaders in the school and serve as change agents, collaborators, and advocates.
 
Counseling Program
The Marana Comprehensive Professional School Counseling Program follows the American School Counselor Association National Model. Providing a framework for the district K-12 counseling program. A comprehensive school counseling program is an integral component of the school’s academic mission.

MUSD’s Comprehensive school counseling program, driven by student data and based on national standards in academic, career and social/emotional development, promote and enhance the learning process for all students. Following the ASCA National Model school counselors ensure equitable access to a rigorous education for all students; identify the knowledge and skills all students will acquire as a result of the K-12 comprehensive school counseling program;  deliver the program to all students in a systematic fashion; and are state-credentialed.
 
School counselors focus their skills, time and energy on direct and indirect services to students. To achieve maximum program effectiveness, the American School Counselor Association recommends school counselors spend the majority of their time in direct and indirect services to students; the remaining time is set aside for program management and school support services, such as school counseling program foundation, management, and accountability tasks. School counselors participate as members of the educational team and use the skills of leadership, advocacy and collaboration to promote systemic change as appropriate. The framework of a comprehensive school counseling program consists of four components: foundation, management, delivery and accountability.

The first week of February is a special week to honor school counselors and highlight the tremendous impact school counselors have in guiding students to achieve success and plan for their future! Marana district counselors promote and enhance student achievement and provide each student with the support, resources, and skills necessary to become productive and responsible adults.

MUSD is proud to be one of the few school districts in the county to provide Master level  full-time counselors in all schools. Counselors make a measurable impact in every student’s life and are an integral part of each school’s total educational program. 

Counselors provide services in three main areas: Academic, Social/Emotional, and Career/Life Planning. Through large and small group instruction, presentations, activities, and individual advising and counseling, counselors work closely with students, staff, and parents. The school counseling program follows the ASCA National Model, based on the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.