Recently, ISCA leaders Larissa Zelisko-Director of Counseling & Dr. Vince Walsh-Rock-Executive Director met in person for an in depth conversation about the concerns ISCA had received regarding the decision to recognize Rep Mazzochi as the ISCA Legislator of the Year. Rep. Mazzochi was nominated and received this award due to her leadership in writing HB 1719, which was signed by Governor Pritzker and became law PA 102-197 in July, 2021. The law amends the School Code, the Seizure Smart School Act, the College and Career Success for All Students Act, the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Sex Offender Community Notification Law, and the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act to replace the terms "school guidance counselor" and "guidance counselor" with the term "school counselor". This significant piece of legislation is essential for Illinois school counselors as it provides the opportunity to advocate for their appropriate responsibilities as determined by the American School Counselor Association. In the meeting, Rep. Mazzochi shared that ""she supports school counselors and the valuable work they do for students needing assistance." Additional dialogue included the opportunity to clarify best practices for Social and Emotional Learning and school counselor professional ethics.
ISCA Executive Director Dr. Vince Walsh-Rock contributed to this story. Click here to listen or read the story.
Congratulations to the ISCA Student Scholarship Recipients and their inspiring school counselors! One recipient was selected from each of the 7 ISCA Regions. ISCA received over 850 scholarship applications.
Region 1: Diana Ayala Counselor: Diana Mondragón - Dundee Crown High School
Region 2: Rachael BennettCounselor: Dave Baisden - Fulton High School
Region 3: Shreya ArikatiCounselor: Jessica Sampson - Glenwood High School
Region 4: Jayden BrownCounselor: Courtney Lillard - Danville High School
Region 5: Megan HoubergCounselor: Karen Olsen - Collinsville High School
Region 6: Alexis Davis Counselor: Janelle Oxford - Robinson High School
Region 7: Yashara CartmanCounselor: Jessica Mulder - Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep
The Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) recognizes schools committed to delivering a top-notch, data-informed school counseling program.
A.N. Pritzker School (Re-RAMP) Chicago, IL
Crystal Lake South High School (Re-RAMP) Crystal Lake, IL
Dr. Martin Luther King Academy of Social Justice Chicago, IL
Rich Township High School Matteson, IL
Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center (Re-RAMP) Chicago, IL
Wendell Phillips Academy High School (Re-RAMP) Chicago, IL
West Park STEAM Academy Chicago, IL
The 7 ISCA Student Scholarship Winners (one from each Region) will be annouced on May 1st or earlier.
Illinois School Counseling Leaders WTTW - Feb. 13th with Brandis Freidman-Host of Chicago Tonight: Black Voices
Watch the full 7 minute segment "As Pandemic Takes Toll on Students's Mental Health, School Counselors Call for More Support" Click Here
Take advantage of this opportunity to transform your school counseling practice and your school. This 3 day intensive Professional Development experience will build your Race and Equity skillset. $100 for Graduate students $200 for ISCA Members $300 for ISCA Non-Members
Publicity flier REC - Feb 2022.pdf
Read this important article written by Dr. Autumn Cabell-ISCA member and DePaul University Counselor Educator. Use this article to advocate for more school counselors!
Students face mental health crisis. But schools aren't ready to help_.pdf
There is a school counseling position open that supports two middle schools Eisenhower and West in Rockford, IL . I have attached the position description. Please let me know if I should send it out to someone else.Online Employment Application _ Open Positions.pdf
Do you know have a school counselor needing to be recognized for their amazing work? How about a school administrator or community member that consistently champions and supports the work of school counselors?
Nominate someone today! Click here for the application
Click here for information about ISCA Awards and Past Winners.