Educators and Counselors: Professional Allies in Addressing the National Teacher Shortage

Abstract

Secondary school counselors are key stakeholders in the Say Yes to FCS initiative and must be included in the efforts to recruit more family and consumer sciences (FCS) teachers. The initiative provides resources that would benefit school counselors in local districts that have FCS programs. To establish an effective partnership, FCS educators need to understand the current demands and expectations of school counselors as well as the often-limited training counselors may have received in career education and guidance in their counselor preparation program. This article explains the demands school counselors face and how FCS stakeholders can collaborate with school counselors in the local district. Commonalities between these two groups of professionals are also explored.