[2025-26] Academic Counselor

Position Overview

At Prep Public Schools, we believe Academic Counselors are essential advocates who support students' academic growth, postsecondary planning, and overall well-being. Academic Counselors play a critical role in ensuring students have clear pathways to graduation, access to the supports they need, and individualized plans for college and career readiness. As licensed professionals, they work closely with students families, and staff to remove barriers to success and ensure every student thrives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Academic Advising & Graduation Planning
   You will ensure every student has a personalized graduation plan that meets Tennessee diploma requirements. You will monitor credit accumulation, course placements, and promotion eligibility, and collaborate with the school team to intervene early when students are off track. You will guide students through course selection and schedule changes, ensuring alignment with college and career goals
   


2. College, Career, & Postsecondary Readiness
   You will lead postsecondary planning for students, including individual advising, college application and FAFSA completion, scholarship access, and career exploration. You will organize college visits, career fairs, and informational sessions, ensuring all students are expose to a variety of pathways. You will maintain up-to-date knowledge of Tennessee's Ready Graduate and state letter grade indicators and ensure students meet them.


3. Social-Emotional & Crisis Support
   You will provide short-term, school-based counseling for students experiencing academic, emotional, or behavioral challenges. You will implement preventive SEL programs and work in coordination with the Dean of Students, Social Emotional Counselor and any external mental health providers to ensure students receive tiered support. You will respond to student crises and contribute to school-wide safely planning.


4. Assessment Coordination & Data Tracking
   You will support the school's assessment program by assisting with logistics for PSAT, ACT, and other required assessments related to graduation and postsecondary access. You will track and report data related to college readiness benchmarks, credit recovery, and social-emotional support referrals.


5. Family Engagement & Coordination
   You will proactively communicate with families about student progress, academic options, and graduation requirements. You will facilitate family meetings, support student-led conferences, and create a welcoming space where all families feel informed and empowered to support their child's success.


6. Compliance & Documentation
   You will maintain accurate student records, including transcripts, graduation plans, and documentation of counseling interventions. You will ensure compliance with FERPA, TDOE counseling standards, and all federal and state regulations impacting school counseling services.
   

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year educational institution required; master’s degree in school counseling or a related field preferred.


• Certifications: Must hold a valid Tennessee teaching license with an endorsement in School Counseling (PreK-12).


• Experience: At least two years of experience in school counseling preferred; experience in secondary settings (grades 6-12) strongly preferred.

Performance Goals

You will lead your team to achieve the following ambitious targets:

• Graduation Readiness: 100% of seniors meet Tennessee graduation requirements and are considered Ready Graduates under TDOE guidelines and College and Career Ready under Tennessee's state letter grade requirements.


• College & Career Milestones: 100% FAFSA completion and at least 100% of seniors accepted to a postsecondary institution or career-training program.


• Scholarship Completion: 100% of eligible seniors will complete all components required for Tennessee Promise and other state/national scholarships (e.g., HOPE, TSAA, institutional aid) by published deadlines.


• Social-Emotional Access: 100% of students have access to counseling services, and students needing Tier II/III supports are referred and tracked.


• Academic Progress: At least 100% of students are on track with credit accumulation and course progression toward graduation.

Compensation & Benefits

Prep Public Schools offers competitive salary and benefits, competitive retirement plans through Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), including a hybrid 401K and pension plan. TCRS has been ranked in the top five best funded state pension plans by the Pew Charitable Trust.