Professional Organizations
ACA, ASCA, WCA & WSCA are wonderful resources for School Counselors to have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. These organizations also provide professional development opportunities, research results and recognition within the counseling community.
School Counselors are supposed to use leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change, to create an environment that is safe and encourages academic success and emotional wellbeing, |
ACA - American Counselor Association
Founded in 1952, ACA is a nonprofit membership organization for licensed counselors in the US. ACA's vision is "Every person has access to quality professional counseling to thrive" and they work towards this by providing furthering education opportunities for counselors, and promoting culturally-inclusive practices, integrity amongst counselors and leaders in the area, social justice and scientifically proven practices. https://www.counseling.org/ ASCA - American School Counselor Association Founded in 1952, ASCA works to support school counselors promote academic success, career and college readiness and social emotional well being to all their students in the US. ASCA's vision is "The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is the foundation that expands the image and influence of school counselors through advocacy, leadership, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA empowers school counselors with the knowledge, skills, linkages and resources to promote student success in school, the home, the community and the world". https://www.schoolcounselor.org/ WCA - Washington Counselor Association WCA represents the specific needs and specialty areas that Washington State faces in the counseling environment. WCA's mission is "to enhance quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity". WCA accomplishes this by providing networking events, furthering education opportunities, creating grassroots legislation and increasing awareness of public services. https://www.counseling.org/washington-state.org WSCA - Washington School Counselor Association Established in 1965, WSCA advocates for awareness of the school counseling profession and empowers school counselors with information, education, and connections to promote student success and wellness in schools. Their vision is "The WSCA will further develop Professional School Counselors expertise by providing leadership and professional development that promotes positive student outcomes in the areas of Academic Support, Career Planning, and Personal/Social Development. thereby enhancing achievement for every student". https://www.wa-schoolcounselor.org/ WW |