1.0 FTE School Guidance Counselor

Position Type:

Student Support Services/Guidance Counselor

Date Posted:

4/21/2025

Location:

Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program

Date Available:

08/18/2025

Closing Date:

06/01/2025

About Cloquet Public Schools Welcome to Cloquet Public Schools! We are a dynamic community serving over 2,500 students in northern Minnesota. Our vision, “Growing forward for our community, our schools, and our future” guides us as we work to provide a robust educational opportunity for each student we serve.

We offer a small-town feel combined with the amenities of larger districts, and we are recognized for our commitment to cultural inclusivity, high-quality education and a strong sense of community. Here you will find a welcoming, forward-thinking environment where you are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and families. If you are passionate about education and community, we invite you to join our team!

Guidance Counselor

Position Overview The successful candidate will be an individual who firmly believes:

All students can and will learn, and that their learning can be directly influenced by focusing on factors over which we have control;

In the need to work interdependently with teachers, school, and district leaders throughout the system, aligning the work of adults around improving student learning by meeting the needs, interests, and aspirations of students;

In the need to work in partnership with staff to continuously improve practices to enhance student and family engagement, creating the conditions for equity, excellence and student success; and

In meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs and aspirations so that each student feels valued and has a sense of belonging, leading to academic success Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Director of Pupil Services, to provide students, parents, administrators, and other teaching staff with information on career and or educational opportunities; administer and interpret career assessment tools; and assist students in developing educational and occupational goals and plans. This position is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Primary Responsibilities Duties of this job include, but are not limited to:

Assist students in evaluating students' aptitudes and abilities through the interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data, and work with students in developing education and occupation plans consistent with such evaluation.

Assist students in making course and subject selections, as well as with evaluating career interests and choices.

Assist in the scheduling of classes.

Obtain and disseminate information regarding occupational opportunities to students and to classes studying occupations.

Assist students with admissions, scholarship and identifying employment opportunities.

Coordinate with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with guidance services.

Research educational and career opportunities, and coordinate with teachers, college and university personnel, resource specialists, and business and community organizations for the purpose of providing information, and making recommendations.

Assist with the registration and orientation students who are new to the school regarding procedures and educational opportunities.

Assist with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.

Serve as ready resource to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.

Plan and coordinate field trips to institutions of higher learning, businesses and other organizations related to guidance responsibilities.

Continue to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.

Organize and maintain a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.

Encourage parental involvement in students' education and ensure effective communication with students and parents.

Assist in the orientation of new teachers, and provide in-service training in guidance.

Perform other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities and is not meant to be inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Preferences We strongly prefer candidates who have exhibited excellence in collaboration with colleagues and an enthusiasm for working with students. Preferred candidates will also have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning as evidenced by graduate-level work or an earned degree, as well as participation in professional organization conferences or seminars related to the content area. Preferred candidates will have demonstrated the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of:

Pre/post high school program eligibility requirements

College/university admissions processes, scholarship programs and other education opportunities

Current developments in business and industry regarding career opportunities and employment

Differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles

Data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans

Applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students

Ability to:

Use computer network system and software applications as needed

Organize and coordinate work

Communicate effectively with students and parents

Engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications The successful candidate must have earned a B.A. or B.S. degree, with a Master's degree preferred, and current Minnesota State Licensure as a School Counselor. Additional demonstrated qualifications include: commitment to the equitable education of all students, creative planning and organizational skills, and highly effective interpersonal skills. Previous experience working with secondary students in a counseling capacity preferred. Prefer candidate with experience working with diverse learners.

Our school is a restorative practices program, and the guidance counselor would ideally help coordinate all facets of that initiative. A Restorative Practices Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing restorative practices to foster a positive school climate and improve relationships between students, staff, and families. This role involves facilitating restorative circles, conducting conflict resolution trainings, and building a school community that prioritizes connection and repair after harm. We can assist with training if this is not yet a practiced skill, but someone with restorative experience would be ideal.

Licensing Requirements Current Minnesota School Counselor license or eligibility is required.

Salary and Benefits The starting pay for this position is between $47,509 - $53,459* and is based on Education Minnesota Cloquet Master Agreement. Your initial placement is dependent on your qualifications (education and years of relevant experience). We are proud to offer a wide array of benefits to our employees, including medical, dental, life, long-term disability, long-term care, an employee assistance program, and retirement contributions. You will be eligible for paid sick and safe time and personal leave.

* Rate is for 2024-2025 and will increase for 2025-2026 when Education MN - Cloquet's contract is settled.

How to Apply Application deadline is June 1st 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

Individuals who wish to be considered for this position must apply online at

Only qualified and appropriately licensed individuals will be considered for an interview.

For any inquiries or questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Marcia Nelson, CAAEP Principal, at or ext. 3302.

A diverse workforce fuels innovation and allows us to better understand, communicate with, educate, and support our students. Cloquet will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications outlined in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and know that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.