An Equal Opportunity Employer
MSA does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, genetic testing, age (except as required by law), marital status or status with regards to public assistance. Individuals will not be excluded from employment rights, participation in or be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program, service or activity under the provisions of any and all applicable federal, state, and local laws against discrimination. MSA prohibits the harassment of any employee or job applicant.
Required Qualifications: Minnesota Department of Education Guidance Counselor Licensure.
Preferred Qualifications: Two years of school counseling experience in a diverse secondary classroom or school environment preferred.
FLSA: 10 Month, exempt, 1.0 position. Additional days as assigned.
Desired Start Date: August 24, 2026
Salary Range: $41,369 to $85,425 based on education and years of experience.
Report to the MSA Administration Team
Location: MSA Secondary Campus
Benefits: MSA offers a generous benefits package and 12 days of paid time off to teachers.
The duties below are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and tasks performed by those holding this type of position.
MSA People Paradigm
The work of being an educator should be joyous and fulfilling, yet amid the complexities of modern education, that joy is often lost. We aim to offer educators a professional home — a place where joy is rekindled in a safe, purposeful, and collaborative environment grounded in rigor and relationships. MSA staff value teamwork and share responsibility for nurturing a culture of genuine trust and mutual care — one that reflects the ethos, “I will always have your back because I know you will always have mine.” MSA teachers are expected to be good teammates — and can expect to be surrounded by good teammates in return. We take collective ownership for both the problems and the progress, believing that real fulfillment comes not from ease, but from craftsmanship — from building solutions together with integrity and care. While we may not have every answer to the challenges that arise, we believe that together we have what it takes to find them.
We hold that:
Challenge is an act of respect — rigor and joy belong together.
Freedom and responsibility go hand in hand.
Collaboration and communication make our work better and more meaningful.
Equity, empathy, and inclusion anchor every classroom and relationship.
Adaptability, humor, and humility mark a mature professional community.
Key Responsibilities
Comprehensive Guidance & Counseling Program
Promote the MSA Mission and Vision in all communications and interactions.
Embody MSA Core Values in daily activities.
Function as a generalist in education and a specialist in counseling, guidance, human development, and educational psychology.
Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive strategies to support students’ academic, career, and social/emotional development.
Coordinate and oversee the 504 plan process, including eligibility determination, writing plans, monitoring accommodations, and hosting annual meetings with parents and staff.
Collaborate with the Special Education team, serving as a resource for student social/emotional needs and participating in multi-disciplinary team meetings as required.
Counsel individual students and facilitate small group counseling sessions to address targeted social, emotional, academic, or behavioral needs.
Monitor student schedules, academic progress, and graduation requirements for appropriateness throughout the school year.
Utilize relevant technology to manage student data, scheduling, and guidance resources.
Treat all students in an equitable manner.
Manage student behavior within counseling spaces by establishing clear rules, boundaries, and restorative practices.
Maintain confidentiality and discipline in accordance with the ethical standards of school counseling and the rules of MSA.
Utilize proper students’ preferred pronouns and name(s) when working with students and when communicating with parents/guardians.
Provide timely feedback, updates, and resources to students and families regarding academic planning and post-secondary goals.
Prepare required reports on counseling program outcomes, student progress, and crisis interventions.
Provide crisis intervention, risk assessments, and external mental health or community referrals when necessary.
Assist teaching staff in adapting environments or understanding student needs to best fit identified students.
Prepare a yearly budget for guidance and counseling resources.
Additional Functions:
Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds.
Attend and participate in 8 am Wednesday staff meetings.
Encourage parent and community involvement in the educational and developmental process.
Obtain information and resources for parents/guardians when requested.
Promptly return phone calls and respond to emails.
Participate in appropriate professional development activities to maintain in-service growth.
Monitor hallways before school, between class periods, and after school to maintain a safe, welcoming environment.
Participate as an active member in school governance, committees, and service activities.
Participate in extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting events, clubs, and student organizations as directed.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills Required
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university is required (MA/MS degree in School Counseling or Educational Psychology is highly preferred).
Licensure: Minnesota Department of Education Guidance Counselor Licensure.
Experience: Previous school counseling or educational experience within a diverse secondary environment.
Core Skills:
Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English.
Patience and Cultural Sensitivity: Essential for working with students and families from a variety of cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds.
Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills to constructively collaborate with parents/guardians, staff, and community stakeholders.
Adaptability and Creativity: The ability to adapt intervention styles to diverse learners' needs and use creative strategies to support student well-being.
Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage a comprehensive school counseling program, coordinate master schedules/testing (if applicable), and maintain accurate, confidential student records.
Miscellaneous:
Must have the ability and proven record to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.
Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish MSA’s Mission and Vision.
Knowledge and implementation of relevant technology.
Knowledge of current child/adolescent development theories, development stages, and behavioral needs.
Working Conditions
School-year position with regular attendance required.
Occasional evenings or weekends for family engagement nights, higher education planning, professional learning, or school events.
Fast-paced, collaborative environment requiring adaptability and relationship-building.
Duties are performed in a typical school setting. There are minimal environmental hazards and risks associated with the nature of the work.
Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must lift and/or move up to 10 pounds frequently.
Occasionally comfortable with exerting force/lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.
Employee(s) may be exposed to some conditions involving human/student contact, verbal outbursts, physical aggression, exposure to body fluids, and other related conditions.