1. American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
1.1. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/
1.2. Target Population: ASCA members lead, advocate and collaborate to promote equity and success for all students by connecting the school counseling program to the school’s academic mission and school improvement plan. (ASCA, 2023)
1.3. Key Issues: 1. Student Mental Health 2. College and Career Readiness 3. School Safety 4. Equity and Inclusion
1.3.1. The ASCA provides resources and support for school counselors to help students cope with these challenges, help students make informed decisions about their future, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools.
1.4. Benefits for joining ASCA: * Networking and Collaboration * Professional Development * Resources
1.4.1. The ASCA has many resources, workshops, conferences, and publications that assist School Counselors with staying up-to-date with best practices, fostering professional relationships, and gaining access to resources.
1.5. Conferences and opportunites: - ASCA Annual Conference - Leadership Development Institutes - RAMP Camp - many more!
1.5.1. The ASCA hosts several conferences and events throughout the year to provide professional development and networking opportunities for school counselors and related professionals.
2. Texas School Counselor Assosication (TSCA)
2.1. http://txca.org/tsca/
2.2. Target Population: Certified school counselors esp. those who want to influence legislation affecting the school setting. College professors and supervisors who prepare school counselors and advocate for the profession. Anyone interested in the success of Texas children.
2.3. Key Issues: 1. Advocacy for School Counseling 2. Mental Health and Wellness 3. College and Career Readiness 4. Equity and Inclusion
2.3.1. TSCA advocates for the profession of school counseling in Texas, working to ensure that school counselors have a voice in educational policies and practices at the state and local levels.
2.4. Benefits of joining TSCA: * Professional Development * Advocacy and Representation * Resources
2.4.1. TSCA holds professional development to support school counselors to keep them up to date, mostly TSCA is known for its advocacy for the profession that practitioners benefit from and contribute to.
2.5. Conferences & Opportunites -Professional School Counselor Conference - C.R.E.S.T - TSCA Lunch & Learn
2.5.1. Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) is sponsored by the Texas School Counselor Association and awarded to school counseling programs that meet CREST requirements. CREST is a continuous document that school counseling programs can use to show communication and a commitment to obtaining results.
3. National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
3.1. https://www.nacacnet.org/
3.2. Target Population: The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), founded in 1937, is an organization of more than 26,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education.
3.3. Key Issues: 1. Access to Higher Education 2. College admissions policies and practice 3. Ethical Practices 4. Professional Development
3.3.1. NACAC provides guidance and resources on college admission policies and practices. They address issues such as standardized testing, application procedures, admission criteria, and more, helping practitioners stay informed and navigate these aspects effectively.
3.4. Benefits of joining NACAC * Access to infromation and research * Advocacy * Professional recognition
3.4.1. NACAC offers opportunities for professional recognition and certification, such as the Certified College Counselor (CCC) designation, which can enhance a practitioner's credentials and demonstrate their expertise in the field.
3.5. Conferences & Opportunites - Annual Conference - Webinars - College Fair
3.5.1. NACAC hold an annual conference and puts on a college fair in major cities around the country. Their website has countless webinars for professionals looking for ways to learn about concepts and resources.