This fall, the UH Mānoa College of Education welcomed its first cohort of the Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling Program. Using a holistic approach, the program focuses on the academic, career, and social-emotional development of students.
“This new School Counseling Program is essential because it addresses the critical need for highly trained, ethically grounded, and culturally responsive school counselors in Hawai‘i and the Pacific region,” said Jessica Koltz, Program Director and Assistant Professor. “School counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and postsecondary success, particularly in diverse and underserved communities.”
Goals of the program include increasing the number of licensed school counselors working across Hawai‘i’s public and private schools; producing competent and socially conscious school counselors who can promote equity and access to educational opportunities; and strengthening the capacity of schools statewide to meet the developmental needs of all students.
“Ultimately, the program will contribute to the well-being of students, families, and communities while reinforcing UH Mānoa’s mission to foster innovative, impactful, and culturally grounded scholarship,” said Koltz.
Delivered in a hybrid format, most classes are online with synchronous sessions held in the early evening. In addition to coursework, students engage in supervised field experiences and internships and complete a culminating project. Equipped with skills to navigate complex ethical, legal, and systemic challenges, graduates of the program will serve as leaders and advocates within schools, communities, and professional organizations.
