Illinois School Counselor Association upcoming events

Unlocking Medicaid: What Every Illinois School Counselor Needs to Know (Thursday, May 21, 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Description:
Did you know Illinois school counselors can now bill Medicaid for eligible services? This introductory session breaks down what that means for your daily practice. Learn how the Illinois Medicaid State Plan recognizes school counselors as qualified providers and what types of direct counseling services are eligible for reimbursement.

We’ll walk through the essentials of compliant documentation and demystify the Medicaid Random Moment Time Study (RMTS) process so you can confidently support your district’s claiming efforts. Whether you're new to Medicaid or need a refresher, this session will give you the clarity and tools to participate effectively and responsibly.

This session is led by Kimberly Silvey, Ed.S., a seasoned expert in School-Based Medicaid with experience supporting over 500 Illinois districts. A former special education teacher and administrator, Kimberly now serves as a private consultant and Principal Consultant for School Medicaid with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), bringing unmatched insight into current policy and practice.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to:

Explain how the Illinois Medicaid State Plan amendment recognizes school counselors as qualified School-Based Medicaid providers
Identify which direct counseling services are eligible for Medicaid billing
Describe compliant documentation practices for direct counseling services
Outline the school counselor’s role in the Medicaid Random Moment Time Study (RMTS) process

Professional Development Credit Hours:

Participants are eligible to receive one (1) ISBE-approved CE/Professional Development Hour for full attendance. Per Illinois State Board of Education requirements, attendees must join the session on time, remain for the duration, verify attendance as directed, and complete the required evaluation in order to receive ISBE Evidence of Completion for Professional Development verification.

NOTE: View the ISCA PD Event Registration, Cancellation, and No Show Policy

ISCA is also an approved IDFPR provider of CEs for LPC, LCPC, LSW, and LCSW licensure. ISCA IDFPR Licenses for Continuing Education:

LPC/LCPC IDFPR License #197.000285
LSW/LCSW IDFPR License #159.001444

Race & Equity Credential (Friday, June 12, 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

ISCA Race & Equity Credential: A Transformative Learning Experience for Educators

Step into the work that matters. The Illinois School Counselor Association (ISCA) Race & Equity Credential is a powerful, three-day virtual training designed for school counselors who are ready to deepen their understanding of race, strengthen their ability to engage in courageous conversations, and lead meaningful, lasting change in their schools.

This unique credential—proudly offered by ISCA in partnership with Sankofa Educational Consulting—is facilitated by Alexandria Hill, an experienced educator and equity leader. Alex began her career as a special education teacher after earning her BS in Education from Loyola University. She later earned her MSW from the University of Illinois at Chicago and served as a school social worker before transitioning into the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she served as the Director of Equity for Planned Parenthood of Illinois, while also leading her own consulting work with national and international nonprofit and educational organizations.

Over the course of this three-day virtual experience, participants will engage in meaningful dialogue, reflection, and skill-building designed to move beyond awareness into action. This credential is uniquely positioned to support school counselors in translating equity-centered knowledge into impactful practices within their schools and districts.

Training Format:

Three-day virtual training

June 12, 19, and 26th

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day

Learning Objectives:

Develop a deeper understanding of the historical and systemic roots of race and racism, and their impact on students and school communities
Build the language, confidence, and skills to engage in courageous and productive conversations about race and equity
Strengthen the ability to identify inequities and implement actionable strategies that promote more equitable outcomes for all students
Increase capacity to lead and sustain equity-focused initiatives within schools and districts

Participants will leave with practical tools, a stronger sense of purpose, and the confidence to lead equity-focused efforts that create more inclusive and supportive environments for all students.

NOTE: Register by May 1, 2026, to secure your spot! Cancellations must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the event. Cancelling a paid registration will generate a credit.

ISCA is proud to offer this unique credentialing opportunity to support not only school counselors in leading this critical work across Illinois but also members of our external partners and other related service providers.

A total of 15 PD hours/CEs are available if present all 3 days. A total of 15 Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) PD hours will be available for participants who attend the full session and complete the required evaluation of their experience. ISCA is also an approved IDFPR provider of CEs for LPC, LCPC, LSW, and LCSW licensure.

ISCA IDFPR Licenses for Continuing Education:

LPC/LCPC IDFPR License #197.000285

LSW/LCSW IDFPR License #159.001444

Race & Equity Credential (Friday, June 19, 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

ISCA Race & Equity Credential: A Transformative Learning Experience for Educators

Training Format:

Three-day virtual training

June 12, 19, and 26th

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day

Learning Objectives:

Develop a deeper understanding of the historical and systemic roots of race and racism, and their impact on students and school communities
Build the language, confidence, and skills to engage in courageous and productive conversations about race and equity
Strengthen the ability to identify inequities and implement actionable strategies that promote more equitable outcomes for all students
Increase capacity to lead and sustain equity-focused initiatives within schools and districts

Participants will leave with practical tools, a stronger sense of purpose, and the confidence to lead equity-focused efforts that create more inclusive and supportive environments for all students.

NOTE: Register by May 1, 2026, to secure your spot! Cancellations must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the event. Cancelling a paid registration will generate a credit.

ISCA IDFPR Licenses for Continuing Education:

LPC/LCPC IDFPR License #197.000285

LSW/LCSW IDFPR License #159.001444

Race & Equity Credential (Friday, June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

ISCA Race & Equity Credential: A Transformative Learning Experience for Educators

Training Format:

Three-day virtual training

June 12, 19, and 26th

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day

Learning Objectives:

Develop a deeper understanding of the historical and systemic roots of race and racism, and their impact on students and school communities
Build the language, confidence, and skills to engage in courageous and productive conversations about race and equity
Strengthen the ability to identify inequities and implement actionable strategies that promote more equitable outcomes for all students
Increase capacity to lead and sustain equity-focused initiatives within schools and districts

Participants will leave with practical tools, a stronger sense of purpose, and the confidence to lead equity-focused efforts that create more inclusive and supportive environments for all students.

NOTE: Register by May 1, 2026, to secure your spot! Cancellations must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the event. Cancelling a paid registration will generate a credit.

ISCA IDFPR Licenses for Continuing Education:

LPC/LCPC IDFPR License #197.000285

LSW/LCSW IDFPR License #159.001444

Tier 2 Done Right: Proactive Supports for Student Success (Summer Institute 2026--Lisle, IL) (Monday, July 27, 2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

This in-person one-day institute is designed to be highly collaborative, engaging participants in shared learning and collective problem-solving with colleagues from across the state. With three regional locations across Illinois, this experience is designed to make high-quality professional learning more accessible—choose the site closest to you!

Through guided activities, real-world examples, and structured planning time, you’ll focus on shifting your school counseling program from reactive to proactive—so student needs are addressed before they escalate.

Grounded in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, this session will help you take a deeper look at your current practices and identify opportunities to strengthen Tier 2 supports with greater clarity and intention.

During this institute, participants will:

Evaluate their current school counseling program through an MTSS lens to identify gaps and opportunities within Tier 2 systems
Explore practical, research-informed strategies to design and implement proactive supports that improve student outcomes across social-emotional, academic, and college/career domains
Engage in Root Cause Analysis to move beyond surface-level concerns and identify targeted, student-centered interventions
Determine what data matters most, how to collect it efficiently, and how to use it to drive decisions and monitor progress aligned to school and district priorities
Collaborate with peers to share ideas, problem-solve common challenges, and build a network of support

Participants will leave with concrete tools, a clearer systems approach, and a personalized action plan to implement immediately at the start of the school year.

View the full agenda for detailed session timing and topics. Light morning refreshments and catered lunch is provided. NOTE: Seating is limited.

Facilitated by IgnitED! Consulting
IgnitED! Consulting is a team of nationally recognized educators committed to supporting school systems through the intentional implementation of the MTSS framework. With experience spanning classroom teaching, school counseling, administration, and educational consulting, their team delivers practical, ready-to-use strategies that drive meaningful student outcomes.

Megan Gruis and Terri Tchorzynski, founders of IgnitED!, bring nearly 50 years of combined experience helping schools implement equitable, data-driven systems that support the whole child. Their engaging, real-world approach ensures participants leave with strategies they can apply immediately.

In Partnership With
Co-hosted by the local Illinois Regional Office of Education (ROE)
All sessions sponsored by Universal Technical Institute (UTI)

Want to learn more before you register?
Watch a short promo video for an overview of the experience, or join one of our upcoming live information sessions to ask questions and hear directly from the facilitators. Multiple session dates are available (July 27 in Lisle, July 29 in Galesburg, and July 30 in Ina, IL)—choose the option that works best for you.

Professional Development Credit Hours

Participants are eligible to receive six (6) ISBE-approved Professional Development Hours/CEs for full attendance. Per Illinois State Board of Education requirements, attendees must join the session on time, remain for the duration, verify attendance as directed, and complete the required evaluation in order to receive ISBE Evidence of Completion for Professional Development verification.

ISCA is also an approved IDFPR provider of CEs for LPC, LCPC, LSW, and LCSW licensure. ISCA IDFPR Licenses for Continuing Education:

LPC/LCPC IDFPR License #197.000285
LSW/LCSW IDFPR License #159.001444

Discounted Group Registration

Have a team to attend with? Complete this ISCA Group Event Registration Discount Request Form and receive a discount code for $20 off per person when registering a team of 3 or more persons. Administrators and other collaborators are welcome.

Cancellation Policy

Please view the Summer Institute 2026 Cancellation and No-Show Policy.

Tier 2 Done Right: Proactive Supports for Student Success (Summer Institute 2026--Galesburg, IL) (Wednesday, July 29, 2026)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

During this institute, participants will:

Evaluate their current school counseling program through an MTSS lens to identify gaps and opportunities within Tier 2 systems
Explore practical, research-informed strategies to design and implement proactive supports that improve student outcomes across social-emotional, academic, and college/career domains
Engage in Root Cause Analysis to move beyond surface-level concerns and identify targeted, student-centered interventions
Determine what data matters most, how to collect it efficiently, and how to use it to drive decisions and monitor progress aligned to school and district priorities
Collaborate with peers to share ideas, problem-solve common challenges, and build a network of support

Participants will leave with concrete tools, a clearer systems approach, and a personalized action plan to implement immediately at the start of the school year.

View the full agenda for detailed session timing and topics. Light morning refreshments and catered lunch is provided. NOTE: Seating is limited.

In Partnership With
Co-hosted by the local Illinois Regional Office of Education (ROE)
All sessions sponsored by Universal Technical Institute (UTI)

Professional Development Credit Hours

ISCA is also an approved IDFPR provider of CEs for LPC, LCPC, LSW, and LCSW licensure. ISCA IDFPR Licenses for Continuing Education:

LPC/LCPC IDFPR License #197.000285
LSW/LCSW IDFPR License #159.001444

Discounted Group Registration

Cancellation Policy

Please view the Summer Institute 2026 Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Tier 2 Done Right: Proactive Supports for Student Success (Summer Institute 2026--Ina, IL) (Thursday, July 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT

During this institute, participants will:

Evaluate their current school counseling program through an MTSS lens to identify gaps and opportunities within Tier 2 systems
Explore practical, research-informed strategies to design and implement proactive supports that improve student outcomes across social-emotional, academic, and college/career domains
Engage in Root Cause Analysis to move beyond surface-level concerns and identify targeted, student-centered interventions
Determine what data matters most, how to collect it efficiently, and how to use it to drive decisions and monitor progress aligned to school and district priorities
Collaborate with peers to share ideas, problem-solve common challenges, and build a network of support

Participants will leave with concrete tools, a clearer systems approach, and a personalized action plan to implement immediately at the start of the school year.

View the full agenda for detailed session timing and topics. Light morning refreshments and catered lunch is provided. NOTE: Seating is limited.

In Partnership With
Co-hosted by the local Illinois Regional Office of Education (ROE)
All sessions sponsored by Universal Technical Institute (UTI)

Professional Development Credit Hours

ISCA is also an approved IDFPR provider of CEs for LPC, LCPC, LSW, and LCSW licensure. ISCA IDFPR Licenses for Continuing Education:

LPC/LCPC IDFPR License #197.000285
LSW/LCSW IDFPR License #159.001444

Discounted Group Registration

Cancellation Policy

Please view the Summer Institute 2026 Cancellation and No-Show Policy.

2026 ISCA Conference (Thursday, November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Chart your course to connection and growth at the 2026 Illinois School Counselor Association Conference where we’re building bridges, breaking barriers, and navigating new horizons together.

Conference Website

2026 ISCA Conference - Sponsor/Exhibitor Registration (Thursday, November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Chart your course to connection and growth at the 2026 Illinois School Counselor Association Conference where we’re building bridges, breaking barriers, and navigating new horizons together.

Conference Website