Two years ago, after 29 rewarding years at Aveda Corp., I retired. As meaningful as that work was, I wanted to contribute more directly to the public sector, particularly in supporting young people and the systems that serve them.
That decision led me to enroll in the school counseling master’s program at the University of Minnesota. I am learning a great deal, not only in the classroom and through internships, but also about the current realities of the profession and the importance of advocating for meaningful change. If we want all students to thrive, we must support the teams that guide them.
“ Every child in the United States deserves a free public education that offers not only academic opportunity but also a safe and supportive space to learn, grow and move forward with hope.”
On any given school day in Minnesota, a student may walk into a school counselor’s office carrying far more than questions about schedules or college plans. Anxiety, peer conflict, family instability, grief and rising social pressures are showing up in classrooms every day.
Recently, immigration enforcement actions, including Operation Metro Surge, have added more stress for some students and families, creating new pressures for teachers, administrators and support staff.
Every child in the United States deserves a free public education that offers not only academic opportunity but also a safe and supportive space to learn, grow and move forward with hope.
School counselors are crucial to this process, yet current counselor-to-student ratios in Minnesota are unworkable. Only 50% of the state’s 2,201 schools have a full-time counselor. In many districts, a single counselor is responsible for nearly 550 students, more than double the recommended ratio.
Minnesota ranks 48th in the nation in student-to-counselor ratios, leaving many schools, especially elementary schools, without consistent access to a licensed counselor.
Understanding the evolving role of school counselors makes these numbers even more alarming. Once known primarily as guidance counselors who handled schedules and college advice, today’s counselors support academic success, social-emotional well-being and preparation for college, careers and life. They help students develop learning strategies, self-management skills and social skills.
Minnesota Sens. Susan Pha and Liz Boldon have co-authored Senate File 3892, which would strengthen school counseling statewide by ensuring a minimum of one counselor in every school, defining the role consistently across the state and empowering counselors to spend 80% of their time providing direct, multitiered services to students.
Minneapolis Public Schools counselor Kim Cook emphasized the urgency.
“I have been a school counselor for more than 30 years, and I have absolutely seen an increase in students’ mental health challenges,” Cook said. “As social-emotional needs grow and counselor-to-student ratios rise, we are hurting already marginalized students. It is truly unacceptable.”
Anna Miller, a sixth-grade counselor in Minneapolis, said students frequently ask to meet with her. With more than 400 students, it can be difficult to meet the demand. She sees sixth grade as a crucial transition point for young people.
“Organizational skills, time management, academic coaching, mediation, conflict resolution and coping skills are all vital to student success and part of our individual and group work,” Miller said.
Both counselors stressed that school counseling is a behavioral science profession requiring a master’s degree and professional licensure. Counselors advocate for equity, access and success for all students. Miller said counselors use attendance, testing and behavioral data, along with surveys, to develop targeted interventions that improve student outcomes. Counselors also collaborate closely with families, educators, student service teams and community partners.
What can communities do to help?
I spoke with Dr. Carolyn Berger, Ph.D., LSC, co-chair of the Minnesota School Counselor Advocacy Committee. She encouraged families and community members to engage.
“Parents and families should speak with school leadership, school boards and state legislators to share their experiences,” Berger said. “If a school lacks adequate mental health or postsecondary support, families should make their voices heard. Communities can also reach out to local counselors to learn how to advocate for stronger support. All students deserve the resources they need to succeed.”
Strengthening school counseling is a practical, evidence-based step lawmakers can take to support student mental health and academic success. When students are overwhelmed and lack the skills or support to steady themselves, learning becomes much harder.
“When we invest in school counselors, we invest in the future of our children and communities.”
When we invest in school counselors, we invest in the future of our children and communities. Please support Senate File 3892 by contacting your state representative. Let’s make this a priority and make Minnesota a top-ranked state in school counseling.
Susan Trondson is a graduate student in school counseling and a mental health advocate. She lives in Lowry Hill.
