There has been longstanding concern about school counselor because their roles have changed rapidly and significantly in response to societal trends. This has resulted in varying conceptions and misunderstandings of their roles. The present paper describes the emergence of school counseling as a profession, outlines the developmental history of school counseling models (e.g. vocational guidance, mental health movement, and developmental guidance), argues that school counselors should be promoted into leadership roles, and provides recommendations to school counselors seeking leadership status. Furthermore, the authors explain that tactical advocacy for marginalized students and purposeful partnerships with principals are integral to bolstering school counselors' efficacy. Recommendations for the ways in which school counselors can hone important leadership skills, particularly through professional development (e.g. in-services, distance learning, continuing education courses) are offered. How these efforts might promote student achievement, empower stakeholders, and improve school culture is discussed. (Contains 1 table.)