How to Become a School Counselor in Colorado

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: September 9th, 2024

School Counselors: A Vital Role in Colorado Education

School counselors play a pivotal role in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for Colorado students. They provide a variety of services, including academic advising, career guidance, and social-emotional support. In a state known for its diverse landscapes and educational opportunities, school counselors are essential in helping students navigate their academic and personal journeys.

The Importance of School Counselors in Colorado

• Addressing Student Mental Health: According to a recent report from the Colorado Department of Education, mental health concerns among students have been on the rise. School counselors are equipped to identify and address these issues, providing students with the necessary resources and support to cope with challenges.
• Closing the Opportunity Gap: Colorado has made strides in closing the achievement gap, but disparities persist. School counselors can help to level the playing field by providing targeted support to students from underserved communities, ensuring they have access to the same opportunities as their peers.
• Promoting Career Readiness: As Colorado’s economy continues to evolve, it’s crucial that students are prepared for a variety of career paths. School counselors work with students to explore their interests and develop a personalized plan for their future, helping them make informed decisions about their education and career goals.

Why Become a School Counselor in Colorado?

• Impactful Work: School counselors have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of young people. By providing guidance, support, and resources, they can help students reach their full potential.
• Diverse Opportunities: Colorado offers a variety of educational settings, from rural schools to urban districts. This provides school counselors with ample opportunities to work in different environments and gain valuable experience.
• Supportive Community: Colorado is known for its strong sense of community, and this extends to the education sector. School counselors can benefit from a supportive network of colleagues and resources.

School Counselor Certification

In Colorado, school counselor certification is a rigorous process designed to ensure that professionals possess the necessary skills and credentials to effectively support the diverse population of students. Certification is required to ensure that school counselors have met the standards set by the state and can deliver high-quality services to students.

Colorado’s school counselor certification process starts with Temporary Educator Eligibility (TEE), allowing individuals to work as school counselors while completing licensure requirements. After obtaining TEE, individuals can work towards the Initial Special Services Provider License (SSPL), which requires a state-approved induction program and proficiency in specific knowledge and competencies. The SSPL is valid for three years and allows school counselors to advance to the Professional SSPL, which requires at least three years of experience, successful advanced training, and proficiency in additional knowledge.

• Temporary Educator Eligibility for School Counselors: Except for speech-language pathology assistants, individuals with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university who are enrolled in a special education program or employed by a Colorado school district, BOCES, or charter/facility school are eligible for endorsements (checklist for Temporary Educator Eligibility).
  

Individuals with CACREP-accredited clinical counseling master’s degrees can take a different route to fulfill school counseling coursework requirements and get a special services license.

• Special Services Intern for School Counselors: Individuals completing special services programs and hired for internships by Colorado school districts, BOCES, or charter/facility schools must have a bachelor’s degree, be enrolled in an approved program, and be supervised by a CDE specialist (see checklist for Special Services Intern for School Counselors).
  

• Initial Special Services License for School Counselors: Individuals who have finished their studies at a Colorado institution, including auditors, nurses, therapists, and speech-language pathologists, are qualified for the Initial Special Services License for School Counselors (in-state) (see checklist for Initial Special Services License).
  

• Professional Special Services License for School Counselors: Colorado initial teacher, special services, principal, or administrator license holders can progress to a professional license, although they may need to meet extra requirements if their credentials have expired (see checklist for Professional Special Services License).