Certification of School Counsellors
New this year is the Manitoba School Counsellor Certificate. The certificate requirements support and recognize the professional preparation and education necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities of a school counsellor within the school setting. To be eligible for a School Counsellor Certificate, a candidate will have thirty (30) credit hours of university course work at the post-baccalaureate level, or above, as specified in the guidelines provided by the Professional Certification Unit and will have accumulated a minimum of two (2) years successful teaching experience while holding a valid Manitoba Permanent Professional teaching certificate.
Manitoba Education makes available to qualified teachers, a School Counsellor Certificate. The certificate requirements support and recognize the professional preparation and education necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities of a school counsellor within the school setting. The School Counsellor certificate has the same status as Manitoba's School Administrator and Special Education certificates; that is, while it is highly recommended that certified individuals be hired into counselling positions, school authorities are not, however, bound to hire only those holding this credential.
The University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, St. Boniface College, and Brandon University provide extensive coursework related to school guidance and counselling, both on campus and through satellite and distance education delivery. Additionally, professional development workshops and courses are available through Manitoba Education; the Manitoba School Counsellors' Association; the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, and many more institutions, organizations and agencies. Common workshops directly related to the work of school counsellors include: Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST), Threat Assessment Training, Restitution, Blueprint for Life Implementation Training, and many more.
Professional Learning Opportunities
Workshops are available upon request on a variety of topics related to guidance and counselling services. A sample of topics includes:
- Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST)
- Counselling for Behavioural Concerns
- Comprehensive and Development Guidance and Counselling Services: An Overview
- Recordkeeping, Recording and Information-Sharing
Links
Below are helpful links for school counsellors:
Consultant Support
The Consultant for School Guidance and Counselling is Kathryn Roberts. She may be reached at:
Kathryn Roberts, Consultant
Program and Student Services Branch
Manitoba Education
204-1181 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0T3
Telephone: 204-622-2057
Toll-Free: 800-282-8069, ext. 7964
Email: kathryn.roberts@gov.mb.ca
