https://padlet.com/erica_parrott_3/6panhrs8ztt3 School Counseling and Professional Organizations en-us 2018-08-28 15:19:07 UTC 2018-09-01 14:37:52 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Apple.png erica_parrott_3 https://padlet.com/erica_parrott_3/6panhrs8ztt3/wish/275912437
1.) American School Counselor Association:

ASCA is a professional organization that consists of certified and licensed school counselors. It offers a variety of professional development opportunities and other resources to its members. ACSA provides up-to-date information for school counselors about the emotional and developmental needs of students and how to help them.

In order to get involved in this organization, school counselors have to pay a membership fee of $69. The membership allows members to receive free discounts for conferences as well as access to free lesson plans and handbooks.

ASCA provides up-to-date government and legislative policy information about important topics, including the upcoming 2019 revival of the 'Perkins V Act' which concerns student performance indicators in schools. 

2.) The Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling:

ACAC is a network for counselors working with children in a variety of different settings, such as schools, hospitals, and private practices.

The purpose of this network is to help counselors better understand the unique needs of children and adolescents. In order to join, counselors have to apply for free membership through the American Counseling Association Website. Membership includes receiving a monthly newsletter, up-to-date networking activities, opportunities to consult with other members about challenges in practice, biannual journals, and sponsored research grants as well as ACAC presentations.

Through this website, school counselors can also find important legislative and government positions relating to a variety of relevant topics, including the 'Spanking Position' and the 'Position Statement of LGBTQQAA Individuals in Schools'. 

3.) American Counseling Association:

ACA is the largest association representing counselors from a variety of counseling practices. ACA provides leadership and resources to it's members as well as access to webinars, publications, journals, and conference education sessions. For school counselors, the ACA Interest Network for Professional Counselors in Schools can cater specifically to school counselors, providing resources that cater to their specific needs. The ACA's award-winning publications and beneficial networking connections seem to be worth the yearly membership fee.

The ACA website also offers information relating to government affairs in counseling, such as important legislative news and announcements that affects the counseling profession. This includes, but isn't limited to, recent news of Mental Health Insurance Coverage, Presidential and Congressional decisions involving mental health, and school counseling funding in the United States.

References:

American Counseling Association:
https://www.counseling.org/

American School Counseling Association:
https://www.schoolcounselor.org/

The Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling:
http://acachild.org/


]]> 2018-08-28 15:24:53 UTC https://padlet.com/erica_parrott_3/6panhrs8ztt3/wish/275912437 erica_parrott_3 https://padlet.com/erica_parrott_3/6panhrs8ztt3/wish/277079505 It's important for school counselors to stay up-to-date on new counseling techniques so that they can provide students the best help when structuring their social, educational, and personal development.

One way school counselors can stay up-to-date on new counseling techniques is by renewing their license. Renewing one's license assures the most up-to-date knowledge and approaches when dealing with students' changing  needs. For example, 10-15 years ago, school counselors weren't concerned with approaches relating to gender identity or social media bullying---- times change, and it's important to be informed and change our approaches as well.

Next, just as mentioned in my earlier post, joining thriving and approved professional counseling organizations provides one with the most relevant and up-to-date resources to help counselors enhance their practices and programs. For instance, the American School Counseling Association provides periodicals in order for school counselors across the country to keep in-touch and share new techniques with one another. ASCA also provides it's members with monthly award-winning journals and magazines that focus on overcoming the daily challenges school counselors may face.

Another way school counselors can stay up-to-date with new counseling techniques is by online professional development or traveling to conferences all across the United States.  The American School Counseling Association hosts numerous conferences for school counselors year around. ASCA can also bring specialized conferences to school districts as well . Some training programs include Technology Boot Camp  and Dealing with High-Risk Students and Families. Many professional counseling organizations host conferences and provide online webinars. For instance, ASCA hosted a webinar in which counseling specialist, Jodee Blanco, discussed bullying in schools. 

As you can see, it's now easier than ever for a school counselor to stay up-to-date in counseling techniques and approaches. This consist of becoming a member of a professional counseling organization, traveling to a conference, or even as easy as opening your computer and joining a webinar.

References:

American Counseling Association:
https://www.counseling.org/

American School Counseling Association:
https://www.schoolcounselor.org/ 



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