What is a Special Education Counselor?
Our Special Education Counselors support students with disabilities by helping address academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and transition needs in the school setting. They work alongside teachers, administrators, families, and support teams to help ensure students receive the right services and supports to succeed in and out of the classroom.
Special Education Counselors may provide individual or small-group counseling, consult on accommodations and behavior supports, support transition planning, participate in ARD/IEP meetings, coordinate referrals, and document services to help keep student plans on track.
Texas Credential / Certification Requirements
To serve as a Special Education Counselor in Texas public schools, candidates must hold the appropriate certification(s) and meet state educator credentialing requirements. Key details include:
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A certificate for “Special Education Counseling Services” is recognized under 19 TAC §231.713 (allowable assignments include Special Education Counseling Services).
(Texas Education Agency)
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For general School Counselor certification, TEA requires completion of an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), a master’s degree from an accredited institution, and other certification requirements.
(Texas Education Agency)
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As of September 1, 2023, the two-year classroom teaching experience requirement for School Counselor certification was removed.
(Texas Education Code § 21.0462)
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Under Texas Education Code § 21.003, a person may not be employed by a school district as a school counselor (including related assignments) unless they hold the appropriate certificate or permit.
(Texas Education Code § 21.003)
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Texas Education Code § 33.006 outlines school counselor time requirements (generally, at least 80% of time on duties related to the counseling program, unless an exception applies).
(Texas Education Code § 33.006)
Summary of Minimum Credentialing Steps (Texas)
- Complete a master’s-level (or equivalent) graduate degree in counseling, school counseling, or a related field (as required for the specific certificate).
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) aligned to the intended counselor/student-services certification.
- Pass required state certification exam(s) for the credential.
- Meet background/credential requirements (fingerprinting/criminal history review), as required by TEA.
- Obtain the appropriate “Special Education Counseling Services” certificate (or the relevant counselor certification for the assignment).
Through these services, our Special Education Counselors help create a safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment—supporting students as they build coping skills, self-advocacy, and the tools they need for long-term success.
