Virtual School Counseling

Abstract

The advent of virtual schools opens doors to opportunity for delivery of student services via the Internet. Through the use of structured interviews with four practicing Florida virtual school counselors, and a follow-up survey, the authors examined the experiences and reflections of school counselors who are employed full time in a statewide virtual school. Findings highlight how virtual school counselors differ in their activities from traditional school counselors. This article presents implications for practice, training, and future research.

School Counselor Educators’ Experiences Navigating Practicum and Internship During COVID‐19

“…Incorporating telemental health trainings and technology into school counseling preparation programs may prepare SCITs for virtual school counseling positions. Similar to Osborn et al ( 2014 ), we recommend school counselor educators consider allowing SCITs to complete practicum or internship hours in a virtual school setting. In addition, school counselor educators could invite a guest panel of virtual school counselors to speak to their students about their experiences as virtual school counselors implementing the ASCA ( 2019a ) National Model.…”

“…In considering the design and implementation of counseling programs for virtual schools, we found only one study. Osborn et al ( 2014 ) explored the experiences of school counselors in virtual schools ( N = 4) and found they experienced similar duties and goals as school counselors working within in‐person schools, but different challenges (e.g., lack of socialization with other school counselors, frustration with service goals due to caseload size). Although Osborn et al recommended inclusion of technology within counseling program courses, including a discussion about ethics related to technology, they did not specifically address training SCITs to work in a virtual school setting.…”