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The heart of our School Counselor M.Ed. program is focused on understanding students. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and mental health. At INSPIRE TEXAS and UST, we are passionate about preparing school counselors who make a difference in the lives of our children while supporting their dreams.
To begin the Counselor Certification program, you will need:
- Official transcript(s), in sealed envelopes, of a master’s or other advanced degree program with a minimum 3.0 GPA overall or last 60 hours. Electronic copies may be sent to r4epsinfo@esc4.net
- Certified or notarized copy of service record indicating a minimum of 2 years credible teaching experience
- Letter of recommendation from current principal or supervisor (if current position is not campus-based) on school or school district letterhead
- Approval from a certified school counselor who will serve as mentor/site supervisor (mentors must have 3 years of experience as a school counselor)
- Completion of Counselor Aptitude by Supervisor or Professional Reference
STEP 1: APPLY
THE APPLICATION FEE IS $95 AND IS NON-REFUNDABLE. ASSEMBLE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS, TO BE MAILED OR ELCTRONICALLY SUBMITTED TO US AT LEAST 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.
- Official transcript(s), in sealed envelopes, of a master’s or other advanced degree program with a minimum 3.0 GPA overall or last 60 hours. Electronic copies may be sent to transcripts@inspiretexas.net
- Certified or notarized copy of service record indicating a minimum of 2 years credible teaching experience
- Letter of recommendation from current principal or supervisor (if current position is not campus based) on school or school district letterhead
- Approval from a certified school counselor who will serve as mentor/site supervisor (mentors must have 3 years of experience as a school counselor)
- Completion of Counselor Aptitude by Supervisor or Professional Reference
You may send all materials to: Region 4 Inspire Texas, 7145 W. Tidwell Rd., Houston, TX 77092
After your application is submitted and documents received, you will be notified via email of your acceptance into the program. When you receive your notification, choose the training date that works best for you.
STEP 2: SELECT COHORT
UST/INSPIRE TEXAS COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION COHORTS ARE STARTING JANUARY 17, 2023.
STEP 3: TRAIN
The school counselor M.Ed. And certification program provides flexible yet comprehensive online training to meet your needs. Internships can be completed anywhere in Texas.
At University of St. Thomas and Region 4 Inspire Texas, your professors will provide guidance and feedback throughout the six (6) term program. Understanding students, planning, collaboration, consultation and professionalism are critical training objectives. All field supervisors have been counselors in Texas.
You will meet with the field supervisor and a campus/district mentor at least three times while enrolled in the program. This exchange will include sharing reflections of the internship experiences and activities completed, which allows you to apply that knowledge as you have learned in the coursework.
As a counselor candidate, you will complete school counselor program training, which includes coursework, and a practicum at an accredited public, private or charter school.
Courses:
- COUN 5304 Introduction to Counseling Methodology
- COUN 5339 Human Growth and Development
- COUN 5310 Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
- COUN 5335 Multicultural Populations
- COUN 5366 Counseling Theories and Approaches
- COUN 5358 Group Procedure Dynamics of Group Counseling
- COUN 6326 Educational Research and Scholarly Writing
- COUN 5318 Developmental School Counseling
- COUN 5359 Lifestyles and Career Development
- COUN 6302 Techniques and Trends in Counseling
- COUN 5314 Consultation in School Settings
- COUN 5316 Family Counseling with Children and Adolescents
- COUN 5368 Practicum
- COUN 5367 Appraisal Techniques
- COUN 5312 School Response to Typical & Atypical Challenges
- COUN 6327 Educational Research Design and Data Analysis
Courses meet the needs of diverse learning styles. Should further accommodations be necessary for disabilities; please contact the Region 4 Program Coordinator. We will be happy to assist with the appropriate accommodation.
During your training, you will prepare for the TExES examination to obtain your Standard Counselor Certificate.
STEP 4: GET CERTIFIED
You are required to pass the designated state certification content exam(s). Passing a content area is required by the majority of school districts in the state of Texas.
More information is available online for TExES exam registration, preparation, and test dates.