Which professionals work to remove barriers to academic achievement and guide students' social and emotional development?

Counselors are specifically trained to focus on both academic achievement and the social and emotional development of students. They play a vital role in helping students navigate challenges that may impede their educational progress, including personal issues, family problems, and academic difficulties. Counselors provide support through various means such as individual counseling sessions, group activities, and educational workshops, all aimed at fostering a positive school environment and helping students achieve their full potential.

While psychologists also contribute to the mental well-being of students by addressing mental health issues, their work often involves assessment and treatment, rather than direct guidance related to academic achievements. Teachers are primarily responsible for delivering content and managing classroom dynamics and may touch on social-emotional aspects as part of their curriculum, but they do not exclusively focus on guiding students in these areas. Principals oversee the entire school operation and focus on administration and policy, but they typically do not provide direct support to students in terms of social or emotional development. Thus, counselors are the most suited professionals for this specific role.