Leadership is defined as the "capacity or ability to guide others" (p. 142). It is imperative that school counselors demonstrate leadership within the school counseling program and within their schools and communities. School counselors must collaborate with colleagues and other school personnel to ensure that the school counseling program is planned and implemented effectively. School counselor's are in a unique position to be the leader in the school when it comes to academic achievement, personal/social development and career development. The school counselor should be knowledgable of the importance of each of these domains and provide programming to meet the needs of the school. To be effective in this the school counselor must have a strong foundation for their program including a mission and vision statement that guides their program. They must also have effective delivery and consistently assess the success of their program. Management asserts that the counselor is active in ensuring that the program is meeting needs of students and being aware of how their time is spent with students. Lastly, accountability is one of the most important aspects of an effective leader. School counselors must set an example for the school in regards to accountability. They must be active producers and consumers of data and constantly attempting to improve their programs.
American School Counselor Association (2012). The ASCA National Model: A framework for school counseling programs (3rd. ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.
American School Counselor Association (2012). The ASCA National Model: A framework for school counseling programs (3rd. ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.