Alameda County Office of Education

School Counselor Residency
The Alameda County Office of Education’s School Counselor Residency program in partnership with California State University East Bay and San Francisco State University is a bold initiative to transform the school counseling profession by fostering a new generation of highly skilled and deeply committed School Counselors. Our program not only opens doors for aspiring School Counselors from diverse backgrounds but also prioritizes the sustainability and impact of their work. By investing in their growth and well-being, we are shaping future leaders who will support the mental health, academic success, and social-emotional development of students, especially those in underserved communities.

Submit School Counselor Residency Interest Form

University Partners

California State University East Bay’s MA in School Counseling (PPS Credential)	San Francisco State University’s MA in School Counseling (PPS Credential)
School Counselor Application Cost of Attendance \| Info Sessions \| Mission & Vision	School Counselor Application \| Cost of Attendance

School Counselor Application | Program Details | Cost of Attendance

School Counselor Residency Program Overview

The ACOE School Counselor Residency Program offers a comprehensive, cohort-based model that equips aspiring counselors with the training, support, and mentorship needed to become effective School Counselors. Our program focuses on creating a pathway of dedicated School Counselors who are committed to enhancing student well-being and academic success across Alameda County.

Key Features of the Program

1-Year Residency:
Residency takes place during the second year of the Master's in School Counseling program through Cal State East Bay or SF State. School Counselor residents participate in a year-long, immersive, hands-on experience, working directly within a school in Alameda County alongside a Mentor School Counselor.
Stipend Support:
Each resident receives an annual stipend of $30,000 to support their journey.
Mentorship from Mentor School Counselors:
Experienced School Counselors, provide direct mentorship to residents, helping to shape the next generation of school counselors.
Cohort Model:
Our program fosters a collaborative learning environment where residents work and learn together, providing peer support throughout their residency experience.
Hands-on Comprehensive Training:
School Counselor residents receive high-quality preparation, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and confidence to immediately step into impactful roles as School Counselors at the completion of the residency.

Program Requirements

To participate in the ACOE School Counselor Residency Program, applicants must:

Currently possess a Bachelor's degree.
Enroll in, or be currently enrolled in, a School Counseling MA program (Pupil Personnel Services Credential) at either San Francisco State University or California State University East Bay.
Live in Alameda County.
Commit to working in an Alameda County school district for at least four years after successfully completing the residency program. * Residents who do not fulfill this commitment may be required to repay their stipend.

Join our Founding Cohort

Are you ready to launch your career as a School Counselor? In partnership with California State University East Bay and San Francisco State University, the ACOE School Counselor Residency Program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Alameda County schools, receive mentorship, and earn a competitive stipend—all while completing your final year of a School Counseling MA program.

How to Apply:

Complete an interest form to get started.
Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process.
Notifications of acceptance will be sent by May/June 2025, and the program begins in July/August 2025.

Join us in shaping the future of school counseling and making a lasting impact in our community!

Interest Form

Resident Placement Process

At ACOE's School Counselor Residency Program, we are committed to ensuring that each resident is paired with a Mentor School Counselor in a 1:1 relationship. This personalized approach provides School Counselor Residents with dedicated support and meaningful professional guidance over the course of an entire school year.

Placements are prioritized based on residents' preferences; however, they are contingent upon the availability of trained Mentor School Counselors at school sites. To ensure a wide range of placement options, we are actively recruiting Mentor School Counselors across Alameda County.

Our goal is to provide every resident with a supportive, enriching experience that prepares them for a successful career in School Counseling.

Mentor School Counselors Program Overview

Mentors play a critical role in the success of the program. A Mentor School Counselor is defined as someone who:

Has at least three years of experience as a school counselor.
Holds a clear pupil personnel services credential with a specialization in school counseling.
Has demonstrated successful counseling performance, with satisfactory annual evaluations over the preceding three years.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of School Counseling

The ACOE School Counselor Residency Program is committed to ensuring that every school in Alameda County is staffed with compassionate, skilled counselors who can make a lasting impact on student success. If you are passionate about shaping the future of school counseling, we invite you to explore the opportunities available through this groundbreaking initiative.

Become a Mentor School Counselor for our Residency Program

Earn a $5,000 annual stipend for each School Counselor resident.
Complete the California Association for School Counselors (CASC) School Counseling Supervision Certificate (Click HERE for more information). *Registration costs will be covered by the Alameda County Office of Education.
Utilize the California Association for School Counselors (CASC) “2023 California Standards for the School Counseling Profession” as a framework for training and mentoring.
1:1 Supervision:
Provide at least 1 hour of direct 1:1 supervision per week or 1.5 hrs (in a group setting) with assigned counselor residents, focusing on professional growth, reflective practice, and feedback on counseling techniques.
Orientation:
Attend mandatory orientation for new Mentor Counselors to receive training on program expectations, mentoring best practices, and the support needed for School Counselor residents.
Quarterly Workshops:
Participate in 4 professional development workshops with your Counselor Resident (Mentte) hosted at ACOE, which will cover topics such as cultural competency, trauma-informed counseling, and leadership within school settings.
Observation and Feedback Cycle:
Participate in observation cycles with School Counselor residents in their school settings to assess their progress and provide constructive feedback. Formal evaluations will occur at key points in the residency, but informal check-ins should happen frequently.
Model Best Practices:
Serve as a role model for School Counselor residents by demonstrating best practices in School Counseling, crisis intervention, and fostering relationships with students, staff, and families.

Join our program as a Mentor School Counselor

The School Counselor Residency Program, offered by the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE), is designed to cultivate the next generation of school counselors by providing aspiring counselors with hands-on training and support. As a Mentor Counselor, you play a critical role in the success of this program, guiding and inspiring future school counselors.

Interest Form

Join our program as a Mentor School Counselor

The School Counselor Residency Program, offered by the Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE), is designed to cultivate the next generation of school counselors by providing aspiring counselors with hands-on training and support. As a Mentor Counselor, you play a critical role in the success of this program, guiding and inspiring future school counselors.

Interest Form

Learn more about Alameda County Office of Education’s School Counselor Residency Program

Learn More Here Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Tracy Lewis
Director of Residencies
(510) 670-4223
tlewis@acoe.org

Nichalous Archibald
Program Manager
(510) 670-4530
narchibald@acoe.org