We're excited to provide the best education in the best environment to our students!
Academies of Math and Science - South Mountain
K-8 School Counselor
Location: 221 W 6th Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210
Start Date: Summer 2026
Compensation: $61,000 - $65,000 per year, DOE
The School Counselor plays a critical role in supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of scholars so they can fully engage in AMS’s rigorous academic program. This position partners closely with campus leadership, teachers, and families to implement a comprehensive counseling program that promotes scholar success, accountability, and a positive school culture.
The ideal candidate is compassionate, firm, data-informed, and believes that every scholar can succeed when provided with the right support. At AMS, social-emotional development and scholar accountability are implemented together to ensure a safe, structured, and thriving learning environment for all.
Key Responsibilities
Scholar Support & Counseling
Provide individual and group counseling focused on social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.
Ensure that 100% of identified at-risk scholars have a trusted adult on campus who provides consistent check-ins and support.
Set goals with scholars and teach coping, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills that promote academic and personal success.
Identify scholars in crisis and follow established safety and escalation protocols, including immediate notification of campus leadership.
Maintain confidential scholar records in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
Collaboration & Campus Partnership
Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and community agencies regarding scholar needs.
Partner with campus leadership to align counseling supports with PBIS and school-wide positive behavior systems.
Support scholar transitions into high school and assist in identifying post-secondary interests and career pathways.
Identify scholars with special needs and make appropriate recommendations, referrals, and partnerships when services extend beyond the school setting.
Professional Development & Prevention
Develop and deliver staff training to support scholar social-emotional and mental health needs.
Implement Character Strong as the campus social-emotional learning curriculum.
Serve as a campus resource on social-emotional learning research, strategies, and best practices.
Campus Engagement
Participate in school events such as recognition ceremonies, athletics, open houses, and graduation.
Attend staff meetings, in-service trainings, and professional development sessions as related to counseling services and compliance.
Required Certifications & Education
Arizona School Counselor Certificate
State counseling licensure
Master’s degree in School Guidance and Counseling or a related field
Knowledge, Skills, & Experience
1–3 years of experience in a school or district counseling role
Preferred (not required): 1–3 years of teaching experience
Knowledge of state and federal laws related to student mental health and school-based services
Strong understanding of the five core SEL competencies
Experience designing and delivering professional development
Ability to plan, organize, and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Join us to enjoy rewarding challenges and ongoing opportunities!
We are a network of ten award-winning K-8 charter schools in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. The Academies of Math and Sciences serves under-represented communities to provide an advanced, college-preparatory education.
The flagship campus in Tucson has been named the highest performing Title I K-8 charter school with >70% F/R in the state of Arizona (out of 293 such schools).
We hire the best teachers and use the best methods, systems, and programs available to reach our mission of sending kids to college. Our program is built to provide motivated students in grades K-8 a top-quality education, enabling them to succeed in extremely competitive high school programs and ultimately, college. Each child’s success depends on us, and we are confident that we can reach all children who are willing to put in the effort to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.
To provide students the education they deserve and to provide the nation a generation prepared to deal with unsolved and new problems, join us. Help us to turn all students, regardless of their background or the neighborhood they live in, onto the path to college and a better life.
Let's improve education together.
