Guidance Personnel in Schools

Effective guidance in schools depends on a variety of personnel, ranging from full-time professionals to supportive staff, parents, and the wider community. Each plays a distinct role in helping students navigate academic, vocational, and personal challenges.

School Counsellor

• The counsellor serves as the primary, full-time guidance professional in the school.
• Requires formal training and qualifications to provide specialized guidance services.
• Core responsibilities include:
  • Conducting assessments and evaluations of students
  • Offering one-on-one counselling sessions
  • Providing advice on educational, career, and personal development
  • Managing the school’s guidance clinic and information center
• The counsellor’s work is collaborative, relying on support from teachers, administrative staff, and educational authorities to ensure a well-rounded guidance program.

Career Master

A Career Master is typically a teacher who has received training or orientation in guidance-related tasks.

Focuses on gathering, organizing, and sharing educational and career information with students.

Maintains the school’s guidance resources with current and accurate data.

While not a fully trained counsellor, the Career Master organizes basic guidance services and helps students access relevant information.

Due to their specific orientation, Career Masters often manage guidance activities more effectively than untrained teachers.

Teachers

Teachers naturally act as guidance providers because they interact with students daily.

Their formal role in guidance is limited due to minimal training in counselling or guidance techniques.

Nevertheless, teachers are essential for the success of any guidance program, reinforcing guidance principles in the classroom and observing student behavior.

Their ongoing engagement with students helps in implementing guidance strategies and ensuring consistent support.

Summary

School guidance is a collective responsibility. The counsellor offers professional support, the Career Master manages guidance resources and basic services, and teachers provide daily reinforcement and oversight. Together with parents and the community, these personnel create a supportive environment that fosters student growth, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills.