Socio-pedagogical profile of a moral education counselor: Assessment of professional deficits and educational needs

Introduction. The article explores the impact of the socio-demographic characteristics of moral education counselors on their professional deficits and request for specific competencies development. The purpose of the study is to identify and show the influence of the socio-pedagogical profile of moral education counselors on their professional deficits and educational needs as well as to provide conceptual foundations for preparing moral education counselors at different levels of education. Materials and Methods. The study is based on the provisions of the activity-based, competence-based, and deficit-based approaches. It uses the method of theoretical analysis of job functions performed by moral education counselors and their competencies, a comparative and analytical review of sources, and a set of methods for quantitative, qualitative and interpretative analysis of empirical data obtained through questionnaires. Statistical analysis of quantitative data was conducted using the Pearson chi-square test, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and interpretation methods. Results. The article clarifies the competence-based model of moral education counselors and determines the significance of various competencies for their work. Based on socio-demographic characteristics (age, education, teaching experience, work experience in an educational institution, and experience in participating in professional competitions), a socio-pedagogical profile of a moral education counselor is compiled. Five key competencies have been identified (personal, psychological and pedagogical, empathic, communicative, and managerial and organizational), which serve as targets for level-based degree and non-degree programs for moral education counselors (bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and continuing professional education courses) enabling counselors to fill in the gaps in their professional competencies. Conclusions. The article concludes that the socio-pedagogical profile of a moral education counselor serves as a tool for identifying their professional deficits and educational needs, which allows conceptualizing grounds for preparing moral education counselors in both higher education and supplementary professional education.