MSCA President's Message

 

Dear MSCA Members,
As we embark on the 2024-25 academic year, I am excited to share the MSCA Board’s strategic priorities for the upcoming term. The Board is committed to advancing the mission of Michigan School Counselors and ensuring that we continue to support and empower school counselors across the state.

In addition to our board initiatives, we will focus on four key areas: enhancing professional development opportunities, increasing participation on the governing board, inspiring more schools to achieve RAMP status, and communicating the vital role of the professional school counselor.

Quality Professional Development
One of our core commitments is to provide high-quality professional development that meets the diverse needs of our members. We understand the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with best practices, innovative strategies, and the latest research in school counseling.

This year, we hope to offer a variety of professional development opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and conferences, tailored to enhance the skills and knowledge of Michigan School Counselors. This goal is to equip our members with the tools and resources needed to excel in their roles and positively impact student outcomes.

Increased Participation on the Governing Board
To ensure that our association reflects the voices and perspectives of all its members throughout Michigan, we are dedicated to increasing participation on the governing board. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and insights, and we encourage members from all backgrounds and regions to get involved. By expanding our board, we aim to foster a more inclusive and
representative governance structure that better serves the needs of our community. We will be actively reaching out to members and providing clear pathways for involvement, so your voice can help shape the future of MSCA.

Inspiring More RAMP Schools
Achieving RAMP status signifies a commitment to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that promotes student success. We believe that more Michigan schools can benefit from pursuing this prestigious recognition. This year, the Board will focus on providing guidance and support to schools interested in becoming RAMP-certified. Our aim is to inspire and empower schools to adopt the ASCA National Model and achieve RAMP status, thereby enhancing the quality of school counseling programs statewide.

Communicating the Role of the Professional School Counselor
Effectively communicating the role and impact of Professional School Counselors is crucial to garnering support and recognition for our work. The Board is committed to advocating for the profession and raising awareness about the essential services school counselors provide. We will be launching a comprehensive communication campaign to highlight the multifaceted role of school counselors and emphasizing the importance of our work to stakeholders, including administrators, parents, and policymakers.

In conclusion, the MSCA Board is dedicated to working with all members to advance our shared goals. We are confident that, together, we can make significant strides in all areas for the school counseling profession. Thank you for your continued dedication and support.

Best regards,

Dr. Thomas Michalos, LPC, SCL, NCC
President, Michigan School Counselor Association