What Are High School Educational Support Services Jobs Like?

I'm researching educational support services roles at high schools and want to know what these jobs entail. What kind of support do they provide to students and teachers, and what qualifications are typically required?

Educational support services at high schools encompass a wide range of roles, all crucial to enhancing students' learning experience and assisting teachers.

Educational support staff could include positions such as:

1. School Counselors: This role is centered around providing academic, career, college access, and personal/social competencies to K-12 students.

2. Learning Support Assistants: They work directly with students, sometimes one-on-one, to reinforce teachings, help with assignments, and aid students struggling with schoolwork.

3. Special Education Aides: These professionals assist teachers in meeting the needs of students with disabilities. From adapting lesson plans, facilitating accessibility, to specialized attention, these roles require willingness and ability to work closely with students with special needs.

4. Library Assistants: They support the running of school libraries, helping students find resources, assisting in resource check-out and return, and maintaining an organized learning environment.

The required qualifications can vary based on the specific roles. Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required for these positions. Education or human development-related bachelor's degrees can be a plus. For instance, school counselors often require a Master's degree in counseling or a related field.

Overall, these jobs involve a lot of interaction with students and staff, a strong understanding of educational practices, and a passion for supporting learning. Additionally, traits like patience, communication skills, empathy, and adaptability are highly valued in educational support services roles.