Wisconsin School Counselors Celebrate National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6–10, 2017

by Stacy Eslick, Executive Director, Wisconsin School Counselor Association

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the Wisconsin School Counselor Association (WSCA) and American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 6–10, 2017, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who "implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century," according to Governor Scott Walker. 

In a proclamation, Governor Walker cited school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today's world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students' social/personal, educational and career development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master's degree in counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.

The profession has undergone significant change over the years.  According to ASCA, “Gone are the days of counselors sitting in their office simply handing out college applications, making schedule changes for students or meeting with the troublemakers in the school.”  As a result, the professional title for those working in the field was  changed in 1990 from “Guidance” to “School Counselor”, in order to more accurately reflect the scope of the work of the profession. The ASCA National School Counseling Model, which focuses on student outcomes, student competencies and is delivered to ALL students is embraced by school counselors across the state.

 “Wisconsin School Counselors work with all students to increase student success and access to education by supporting the academic, social/emotional and career/post-secondary planning needs of students,” said Stacy Eslick, WSCA Executive Director.  “Comprehensive School Counseling

Programs are a critical component of student academic achievement and provide essential resources to students, families and school staff. School Counselors are integral to student success.” 

Close to 2,000 school counselors across Wisconsin will be participating in the week's festivities. Many school counselors will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the myriad benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.

WSCA encourages Wisconsin educators, students and staff to celebrate your local School Counselor!  To learn more about National School Counseling week and the profession visit WSCA http://www.wscaweb.org/School-Counseling-Week#.WHf2ulMrLIU and ASCA www.schoolcounselor.org for additional information. Parents or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact the School Counselors at their local schools. 

Also, in February, over 1,100 School Counselors are anticipated to attend the 2017 Wisconsin School Counselor Association conference held at Monona Terrace the 21st through the 23rd. The conference includes 13 preconference workshops, two keynotes, eighty sectionals and 75+ exhibitors.  This conference has been recognized nationally as exceptional and draws professionals from beyond the Wisconsin borders.  The top quality professional development offered at this conference allows school counselors to continue to “Answer the Call” of their profession as advocates for ALL students. NOTE the early bird deadline to register for the WSCA conference is January 20, 2017.  More information can be found at www.wscaweb.org.

The Wisconsin School Counselor Association (WSCA) is a nonprofit organization based in Madison. Founded in 1965, WSCA supports School Counselors' efforts to help students focus on academic, career and social/emotional so they not only achieve success in school but are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. The association provides professional development, publications and other resources, networking and advocacy to School Counselors around the state.

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