With a growing prevalence for issues facing students' in Australia, there’s never been more of a need for skilled leaders in schools to help guide and support young people.
We spoke to Tessa Hogan, a current student of the Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling) degree, who is determined to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of young people in Australia. Tessa is currently a teacher with a dream of becoming a school guidance officer once she graduates. This hasn’t stopped Tessa implementing the new skills she’s learning now into her teaching practice.
Why study Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling)?
“Education is very empowering, and it's the one thing that can't be taken away from you”
“My main motivator for pursuing the Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling) degree was to bring a new perspective to how we implement our well-being programs within schools.”
“This course has given me the skills that I need to connect with children and young people who are in the midst of probably the hardest times in their life.”
“Being able to connect with them and meet them at their level and understand their world is really integral for being able to support them in gaining the tools to face life's challenges. Because if we aren't able to connect and understand children that are going through hardship, we're not able to give them those tools, and they're basically going through life alone.”
Implementing new skills while you study
The Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling) degree helps students to master essential counselling techniques and communication skills. This course empowers students to build self-awareness, understand others' needs, and guide clients toward solving problems and reaching their goals. It also teaches psychoeducational assessments, gaining expertise in the tools and techniques that guidance officers and school counsellors rely on.
Tessa says, “I work with some children that have had really challenging experiences quite early on in life, and so understanding how trauma impacts the brain and what we can do to make sure that we're creating a supportive space, so they are able to learn, has been really invaluable for me."
“The course has given me the enhanced skills that I need to connect with children and young people. Being able to connect with them and meet them at their level and understand their world is integral for being able to support them in gaining the tools to face life's challenges. It's just a very rewarding degree, and there's so much to be gained from learning in this space.”
“If you want to empower not only students, but also school community in having strong connections and understanding the intricacies of children's lives and trauma, then the Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling) is absolutely the right choice for you.”
If you are interested in studying the Master of Education (School Guidance and Counselling) course like Tessa, head to the course page for more details.