School Counseling – U.S. Virgin Islands
School Counselor
The Virgin Islands Department of Education website indicates that the following education and experience is required for school counselors:
Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling; and Meet certification requirements as required by the Virgin Islands Board of Education;
In addition, the Virgin Islands Department of Education published the following criteria on a certification document housed on their website:
This certificate is required for a person serving in the employ of the Department of Education as a school counselor in kindergarten through grade 12 or coordinating school counseling services within a single school or several schools, except that a supervisor certification may be required if employed in a supervisory capacity. Professional Educator Class II Certificate Requirements (valid for five years and renewable every five years with special requirements).
On and after August 7, 2003, to receive a Professional Educator Class II Certificate to serve as a school counselor, an applicant shall present evidence of meeting the following requirements:
- Holds a master’s degree;
- Has completed, as part or in addition to the master’s degree, a minimum of 30 semester credit hours in a planned program in school counseling services as attested to by an institution approved and/or accredited for the preparation of school counselors including study and experience to be distributed among each of the following: Principles and philosophy of developmental guidance and counseling; Psychological and sociological theory as related to children, youth and families; Career development theory and practice; Individual and group counseling procedures; Organizational patterns and relationships of pupil personnel services to total school program and community; Pupil appraisal and evaluation techniques; and School based consultation theory and practice;
- Has completed a minimum of one introductory course in special education and computer;
- Has a minimum of 30 school months of successful teaching or counseling experience at the elementary or secondary levels; OR
- Holds or is eligible for a Virgin Islands Board of Education teaching certificate; and
- Has completed all required assessments
For more information: