Date: October 18, 2007
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, IL, October 18, 2007 – In response to the increased statewide demand for qualified school counselors, Governors State University is offering an Alternative School Counselor Certification program.
“This new program allows people to take their existing master’s degree in counseling or psychology and supplement it. They have a chance to add school counseling certification to their existing degree,” explained Dr. Adam Zagelbaum, Assistant Professor in Counseling at Governors State University.
Students are required to take specific courses in school counseling and participate in a practicum and an internship. The practicum allows them to ease into the demanding job of a school counselor. During the internships, while supervised, they are required to perform all the jobs of a school counselor.
According to Zagelbaum, “The extensive training in this program ensures exposure to and experience with children in grades pre-kindergarten through twelve. They become more than just academic guidance counselors. They are also trained in interventions, family counseling, peer mediation, career counseling, and crisis response to emotional, social, and learning issues.”
One of the most beneficial aspects of the school counselor’s relationship with the students is the length of time both the counselor and the student have to interact.
“School Counselors see students over many years. They can develop a strong and effective connection. They have the opportunity to work with the entire family,” adds Zagelbaum. “They can have a positive impact on many lives.”
In addition to the academic requirements of the Alternative School Counselor Certification curriculum, school counselors must also pass the State test of basic skills and the Type 73 exam to be certified as a school counselor in Illinois.
Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park. For more information about the Alternative School Counselor Certification program at GSU, call (708) 534-4973.
