Counselor Professional Practice Shadowing Program - Host Couselors

The Counseling Department is seeking experienced tenured school counselors to participate as Host Counselors in a new professional practice shadowing initiative for non-tenured school counselors.

The purpose of the program is to provide non-tenured counselors with opportunities to observe experienced counselors in practice, gain exposure to counseling procedures and responsibilities across the district, and strengthen their understanding of effective school counseling practices.

Positions Available

2 Tenured School Counselors

Duties and Responsibilities

Selected Host Counselors will:

• Provide structured opportunities for non-tenured counselors to shadow and observe counseling practices.
• Model effective counseling practices, district procedures, professional communication, and student support.
• Provide opportunities, when appropriate, to observe activities such as student meetings, parent/guardian meetings, small groups, classroom lessons, Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) meetings, Section 504 meetings, case management, and other counseling-related responsibilities.
• Review and discuss procedures, documentation, resources, and district expectations connected to the activities observed.
• Provide time following shadowing experiences for professional discussion, reflection, and questions.
• Assist non-tenured counselors in developing a broader understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations of a school counselor.
• Coordinate with the Counseling Department to schedule shadowing opportunities based on identified areas of need.
• Maintain appropriate student confidentiality and ensure all shadowing experiences are conducted in accordance with district policies and procedures.
• Support consistency in counseling practices and expectations across the district.

Other Requirements:

• Hold a valid New Jersey School Counselor Certification
• Be tenured in the South Plainfield Public Schools
• Have received an Effective or Highly Effective summative evaluation rating
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of district counseling procedures, expectations, and best practices
• Demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Be willing to provide non-tenured counselors with opportunities to observe a variety of counseling responsibilities and practices
• Hours
• Hours will be scheduled and approved by the Counseling Department based on the needs of the shadowing program.
• Compensation
• $44.00 per hour, in accordance with the South Plainfield Education Association (SPEA) negotiated contractual rate.
• Location: District
• Stipend: $44.00 per hour
• Benefits: N/A