Professional Practice and Fieldwork is an exciting time that gives SAU school counselors in training an opportunity to apply what they have learned in classes in a real-world K-12 environment. Candidates secure sites and site supervisors at schools in their communities.
During the practicum, Internship I, and II semesters, candidates earn a total of 700 hours of supervised fieldwork.
Candidates are eligible for practicum when all prerequisites are met, the application, site, and site supervisor have been approved, and proof of professional liability insurance is provided. Practicum hours may be acquired at either the elementary or secondary level. Candidates should plan on earning 8-10 hours a week in direct, indirect, and supervised services totaling 100 hours over the 15-week semester.
Internship I may be obtained at either the elementary or secondary level. Candidates should plan on earning 18-20 hours a week in direct, indirect, and supervised services totaling 300 hours over the 15-week semester.
Internship II hours are obtained at the opposite level of internship I and again, students should consider the 18-20 hours a week in direct, indirect, and supervised services totaling 300 hours over the 15-week semester.
Candidates participate in synchronous group supervision with a university supervisor for 1.5 hours each week via online learning, as well as receive, one hour a week of site supervision.
Note: There are no summer practicums or internships available for school counseling.
With a median salary of over $60,000 per year, school counselors provide critical academic, personal and developmental support to school-age children.