Academic Counselor

The Academic Counselor provides guidance in academic, college and career planning for students attending the GIS High school in grades 9-12 and assists with areas of student affairs as needed.

General Qualifications:

• Is a mature Christian
• Preferable to have a Master’s degree or higher in Education; studies in school guidance counseling desired
• Experience in teaching, preferably international school education
• Has the ability to use technology appropriately to accelerate achievement of secondary goals
• Is a model of the GIS core values of being Christ-centered, caring for the students, and having a commitment to excellence

Main Tasks and Responsibilities: 

The Secondary School Academic Counselor provides guidance in academic, college, and career planning for students in Grades 7-12.

Academic Advising

• Meet with students and parents, concerning school year course selections, as necessary
• Identify and counsel students with academic challenges
• Encourage and support students in the development of academic skills
• Develop a four-year academic plan for High School students in collaboration with the Secondary School Principal
• Order and facilitate standardized tests
• Coordinate the Advanced Placement Program

Academic Record Maintenance

• Evaluate new student transcripts, determine transfer grades and credit, input into data system
• Oversee input and tracking of individual student grades
• Communication of report card grades 

College & Career Planning

• Establish and maintain a college and career bulletin board posted with pertinent and current information regarding colleges, scholarships, financial aid, testing, meetings, vocations, etc.
• Establish and maintain correspondence with a variety of post-Secondary schools
• Plan and conduct college visits and career days for students in Grades 9-12
• Arrange for guest speakers on college admissions and certain career fields to visit the High School annually to speak at chapel or to specific groups of students
• Meet periodically with students to discuss collage selection and vocational/career choices
• Send transcripts and write recommendations to colleges as requested
• Assist students/parents with college admissions forms, securing of financial aid information, etc. 

Course Scheduling 

• Work with the Secondary School Principal and the Director of Curriculum to develop courses, course schedules, credit hours, teaching assignments, etc.
• Assure that each student is accurately enrolled in courses, including overseeing the “ADD/DROP” procedure