Explore rewarding School of Education Instructor - Counseling and Career Development jobs, a vital academic role dedicated to shaping the next generation of mental health and career guidance professionals. Instructors in this specialized field are responsible for teaching, mentoring, and conducting research within university graduate programs, typically housed in Schools of Education or similar departments. Their primary mission is to equip future counselors with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding necessary to support diverse client populations in educational and community settings. Professionals in this role typically engage in a multifaceted array of responsibilities. Core duties include developing and delivering graduate-level curriculum for courses in areas such as career development theory, counseling techniques, group dynamics, multicultural counseling, and clinical assessment. They supervise student practicum and internship experiences, providing critical feedback on counseling skills and professional development. A significant component of the position involves maintaining an active scholarly agenda through publishing research, presenting at conferences, and seeking grants to advance the field of counseling and career development. Furthermore, these instructors contribute to university service through committee work, program accreditation efforts, and academic advising for graduate students. To succeed in these jobs, individuals generally must possess an earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology, or a closely related field, preferably from a CACREP-accredited program. A background as a practicing licensed professional counselor (LPC) or equivalent is highly typical, providing essential real-world credibility. Key skills include expert knowledge of counseling theories and career development models, demonstrated teaching excellence, a record of scholarly publication, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in counselor training. Successful candidates are often required to hold or be eligible for state counseling licensure and demonstrate involvement in relevant professional organizations like the American Counseling Association (ACA) or the National Career Development Association (NCDA). These academic jobs are ideal for experienced counselors who are passionate about transitioning their clinical expertise into an educational setting to mentor future practitioners. The role offers the opportunity to influence the counseling profession at a systemic level, ensuring the continuous development of competent, ethical, and culturally responsive counselors and career development specialists. For those seeking a career that blends teaching, research, and clinical supervision, pursuing School of Education Instructor positions in Counseling and Career Development represents a profound and impactful career path.
