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

More than a pathway to a credential, our program is a commitment to sustainability, access, and impact. By supporting the growth, well-being, and leadership development of aspiring School Counselors, we are cultivating professionals who will champion mental health, academic success, and social-emotional development, especially for our most vulnerable students.

Key Features of the Program

1-Year Residency:
Takes place during the 2nd (or final year) of a Master’s in School Counseling program at Cal State East Bay, SF State, San Jose State, St. Mary's or the University of SF. Residents work 1:1 alongside a Mentor School Counselor in an Alameda County school.

$30,000 Stipend:
Each Resident receives a $30,000 stipend over the course of the Residency to support full-time participation in the program.

Mentorship:
Residents are paired with experienced School Counselors who provide direct guidance, support, and modeling effective counseling practices and exemplifying professional standards.

Cohort Model:
Residents learn and grow together through a supportive cohort, with monthly meetings focused on collaboration, reflection, and skill-building.

Hands-On Training
Residents gain real-world experience and comprehensive preparation to step confidently into School Counseling roles in Alameda County after graduation.

Program Requirements

To join the ACOE School Counselor Residency Program, applicants must:

Hold a Bachelor's degree
Be enrolled in a School Counseling MA/PPS Credential program at Cal State East Bay, SF State, San Jose State, St. Mary's or the University of SF
Commit to working in an Alameda County school district for at least four years after completing the residency
* Residents who do not meet this commitment may be required to repay the stipend

Become a Resident

Ready to launch your career as a School Counselor? In partnership with Cal State East Bay, SF State, San Jose State, St. Mary's and the University of SF, the ACOE School Counselor Residency Program offers a unique opportunity to:

Gain hands-on experience in Alameda County schools
Receive mentorship from experienced School Counselors
Earn a $30,000 stipend
Complete your final year of a School Counseling MA program

How to Apply

Start by completing the interest Form
Qualified candidates will be invited to apply
Program start: August

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 Counselor Eligibility

Mentor School Counselors are essential to the success of our residency program. They serve as role models, coaches, and guides to aspiring school counselors. To serve as a Mentor, you must:

Have at least three years of experience as a school counselor
Hold a clear Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential with a specialization in School Counseling
Have a record of strong performance, with satisfactory evaluations over the past three years

Become a Mentor School Counselor

Support the next generation of School Counselors and grow as a leader in the profession.

Mentor Benefits:

Receive a $5,000 stipend for each School Counselor resident you mentor
Use the 2023 California Standards for the School Counseling Profession as a mentoring framework

Mentor Expectations:

1:1 Supervision: Provide at least 1 hour of direct supervision per week (or 1.5 hours in a group setting) focused on reflection, feedback, and professional growth
Orientation: Attend a required Mentor Orientation covering program expectations and mentoring best practices
Monthly Workshops: Participate in monthly professional development sessions with other Mentors and Residents, hosted by ACOE
Observation & Feedback: Engage in observation cycles and provide consistent, constructive feedback to support resident development
Model Best Practices: Serve as an example of effective school counseling, relationship-building, and leadership in your school community

Make an Impact as a Mentor School Counselor

The ACOE School Counselor Residency Program is designed to prepare and support the next generation of School Counselors through hands-on, real-world training in Alameda County schools. As a Mentor School Counselor, you play a vital role in this mission, offering guidance, modeling best practices, and helping residents grow into confident, equity-minded professionals. Your leadership helps shape the future of school counseling in our schools and communities.

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

For More Information Frequently Asked Questions

Alameda County School District Partners

Alameda
Albany
Berkeley
Dublin

Fremont
Hayward
Livermore
New Haven
Newark

Pleasanton
San Lorenzo
Sunol
ACOE: County Schools

Contact Us

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

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