Jesse Buttrick Davis (1871–1955): Pioneer of Vocational Guidance in the Schools

Abstract

Jesse Buttrick Davis is considered to be the 1st school counselor in the United States because he was the 1st to implement a systematic guidance program in the schools. Through his work in the Michigan public schools, he became an important leader in the development of vocational guidance in the late 1800s and early 1900s. His pioneering work in the Detroit and Grand Rapids public schools laid the foundation for the counseling specialties of career counseling and school counseling. He was also 1 of the founders of the National Vocational Guidance Association (now National Career Development Association) and National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Professional School Counselors' Career Development Practices and Continuing Education Needs

“…The importance of career counseling in schools is not a new idea (Davis, as cited in Pope, 2009). The National Career Development Guidelines (NCDG; U.S.…”

The Roots of Social Justice in Group Work

“…As principal of Grand Rapids High School in Michigan, Davis was the first to implement a systematic guidance program in the schools. He initiated weekly vocational guidance for all students, using groups to teach values, career exploration, and social skills (Pope, 2009). The values and beliefs undergirding Davis' work included the importance of giving back to one's community, free public schools, and equal access to education for women; he was biased toward the effects of environment over heredity, and against racial prejudice (Pope, 2009).…”

Mark Pope: Counseling's Sacred Weaver

“…For examples in counseling's history, many look to Jesse B. Davis as the touchstone to the early development of school counseling (Pope, ); Frank Parsons as the father of career guidance (Briddick, ); Carl Rogers, whose person‐centered approach helps counselors even today conceptualize how to be present with a client (Kirschenbaum, ); Thelma Daly as a mentor and role model for so many women and persons of color (Coker, ); and Courtland Lee as a foreseer of the growing diversity in our society (Gladding, ). These names are but a few among the many who could be mentioned that instantly situate us counselors in a place, time, or context that captures the essence of our professional identity.…”