Internship and Certification Information

Thank you for your interest in completing your school counseling internship with Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS). The Office of Counseling, College and Career Services is excited to invite prepared school counseling interns to complete a practicum and/or an internship in the Gwinnett County Public School District. GCPS is committed to providing superior training and support to all people who work or train within our World Class System of Schools. GCPS will only accept candidates who are seeking a Master's degree or Specialist degree in School Counseling and attending CACREP accredited programs with which GCPS has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)*. GCPS has established an MOU for School Counseling with the following universities: Albany State University, Capella University, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Mercer University, Georgia State University, University of Georgia, University of West Georgia, Walden University, and William and Mary University. 

* We only place internship candidates with start dates of August through January. We do not place internship candidates beginning their internship during the spring or summer quarters. GCPS employees seeking School Counseling Internship must take a leave of absence to complete the required hours.

GCPS Practicum and Internship Requirements

For students planning to begin practicum/internship in the:

Fall Semester (August-December)–  The application deadline is:  March 31
Spring Semester (January-May)– The application deadline is:  October 31

Step 1: Apply as a School Counseling Intern

Prospective interns must complete the online GCPS School Counseling Internship Application, which requires general student information.

For students planning to begin practicum/internship in the:

Fall (August-December)

Deadline:  March 31

Application Window: March 1- March 31

Apply Here (Link only available during the application window)

Spring (January-May)

Deadline: October 31

Application Window: October 1-October 31

Apply Here  (Link only available during the application window)

Prospective interns are strongly encouraged to complete registration as early in the window as possible. Once registration is completed, GCPS will review all applications.

Step 2: Attend Virtual Interview

After GCPS reviews the completed applications, prospective interns will receive a link to book a virtual interview.

Step 3: Receive Placement Details

After reviewing applications and conducting interviews, GCPS will place selected candidates at local school sites. Interns and site supervisors will receive an email notification with placement details. Intern candidates will receive this notification in April (fall placement)/November (spring placement). Candidates who were not selected will also receive an email notification.

Step 4: Additional Requirements

1. Attend a mandatory internship orientation in July (fall placement)/ December (spring placement).
2. Clear Fingerprinting/Background check. Fingerprints are taken following the mandatory internship orientation. Placement at a school site is contingent upon clearance.
3. Obtain a professional liability insurance policy of at least one million dollars per occurrence or claim. Maintain proof of insurance for your records.
4. Connect with the site supervisor at the designated placement site within two weeks after receiving placement details.

If you have questions or concerns regarding school counseling practicum or internship opportunities with Gwinnett County Public Schools, please contact Dr. Heather Alvira.

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) is the professional accrediting agency for school counselors  in Georgia. The GaPSC also maintains a list of Georgia institutions that offer accredited school counseling programs. For more information visit  Georgia Professional Standards Commission's website.

Job Description

School Counselor Job Description

School counselors have the opportunity to become members of a variety of professional organizations that advocate and support the profession.

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. For additional information visit the ASCA website.

The Georgia School Counselor Association (GSCA) represents, promotes, and enhances professional school counseling in Georgia to create improved outcomes for all students. For additional information, visit the GSCA website.

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the world's largest association representing professional counselors in various practice settings. ACA serves its members with the resources they need to make a difference. For additional information visit the ACA website.