Opinions of teachers and administrators working in secondary schools about the guidance teacher/psychological counselor

The main purpose of this research is to examine the opinions of teachers and administrators working in secondary schools about the guidance teacher/psychological counselor. The research was carried out in the 2020-2021 academic year. The study group, in which the phenomenology pattern is used, consists of a total of 65 participants; 40 teachers and 25 administrators. A semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher was used as a data collection tool in the research. The data obtained from the data collection tool were subjected to content analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that teachers and administrators in general; had a positive opinion about the concept of guidance teacher/psychological counselor. In addition, it was observed that there were negative opinions as well. Teachers define "guidence teacher/psychological counselor" as supporting, guiding and problem solving agents with easy communication. As for the administrators, it was concluded that the administrators define them as people who communicate easily, provide psychological support, guide and solve problems. In general, when the views of both teachers and administrators on the guidance teacher/psychological counselor are examined, it is seen that they emphasize the different working conditions, the lack of contribution to the school, and the lack of duties and responsibilities of these teachers in the school.