Why Chaplains in Texas Public Schools are a Bad Idea
Both chaplains and school counselors fill important roles, but they are not interchangeable.
SB 763 would permit public schools in Texas to hire chaplains in public schools instead of school counselors. These chaplains will perform the duties of school counselors outlined in Title II of Texas’s education laws. Title II tasks Texan school counselors with interpreting assessment data, and managing emergencies and threats with evidence-based methods.
While the scope of practice of the school counselor does not change, allowing chaplains to assume this title raises many questions. This bill does not clarify whether or not these chaplains will receive additional training for the nature of this work. Ordinarily, school counselors have a bachelor’s, master’s, or even doctorate degree in psychology, education, or counseling. Not only that, but they need to pass licensing exams and receive continuing education to maintain said license.
Like school counselors, chaplains receive college education. However, they typically specialize in theology rather than the aforementioned fields. They tend to work with hospitals or the military, providing spiritual support to those who need or want it. The chaplain typically adapts the support they give to the needs of…
