ACA Celebrates National School Counseling Week

The American Counseling Association is proud to celebrate school counselors and their work in schools across the nation during National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6 – 10, 2023.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of the school counselor has been more critical than ever in helping students, parents and school staff deal with mental health issues that have become exacerbated by the virus and its subsequent restrictions. Even prior to the pandemic, there was a cause for concern regarding the decline in mental health in children.

As a result of the pandemic, school counselors have made adjustments to provide comprehensive case management to accommodate the influx in demand for services, from death and grief counseling to serving as a first line of defense against situations of abuse or neglect.

In various parts of the country, where school hallways remain empty and events like school dances and ceremonies are nothing more than distant memories, there has been a lingering feeling that “normal” will never be normal again. School counselors today are at the center of the problem-solving process and can help safeguard the mental and emotional well-being of students and parents alike.

Their endless dedication to helping families and children in need has secured their spot as one of the unsung heroes during this pandemic—and beyond.

School Counselors Make a World of Difference

The work of today’s school counselor is multifaceted and can vary from career development to supporting students who are experiencing emotional and academic challenges. As trained mental health professionals, school counselors strive to build safe, positive, and trusting relationships with their students. 

How School Counselors Help

• They are good listeners, and students can talk to them about almost anything, without judgement.
• They strive to maintain confidentiality as much as possible, while following their code of ethics, as well as all pertinent federal, state, and school district regulations.
• They help students with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.
• They work with students to develop strategies to deal with anger.
• They are a good sounding board for family issues.
• They help students navigate relationship issues.
• They advocate on students’ behalf.

Resources for Professional School Counselors

Choosing to become a school counselor is a selfless decision to support, guide and advocate to help others grow and thrive. As the professional home for all counselors, we are here to provide you with the same level of support and care you give.

Explore our National School Counseling Week-featured tools and resources for school counselors below.

Show Your School Counseling Pride

Professional school counselors support, guide and advocate for students.
Download, Print and Post Your Free School Counseling Poster

Show Your School Pride:

1. Download poster: 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 17
2. Print poster
3. Hang poster in a prominent location in your school or office.

Show Your School Pride

1. Click to download one of our virtual backgrounds
2. While in a Zoom meeting, click on "More in the controls."
3. Click "Virtual Background"
4. Upload a new image and enjoy your new virtual background.