From the Chair: FSCA Leaders and Learners

Spring is here and good things are happening in the association. We recently had eight qualified FSCA members decide to run in the board of directors election. Each candidate spoke of their vision for the organization and how they would contribute and advocate for the students and our members across the state. Voting closed on March 31 and election results are available on the FSCA website. Thank you to all who participated.
 
Believe it or not, the board has already begun planning for the 2019 Convention, and the theme is School Counselors: The Heartbeat of the School. This year’s convention will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando. Pre-conference sessions, a first timers’ session, and opening reception will occur on Thursday, November 7. FSCA will offer members the keynote addresses, awards presentations, luncheons, exhibitors, and more than 30 sessions on Friday and Saturday, November 8–9. I hope you will be able to join us for this premier professional development event of the year and consider submitting a proposal to present. Be sure to check the FSCA website for the call for proposals and all the convention details. Also, we are always looking for volunteers to help with the convention committee. If you are interested in getting involved, please email our executive director, Dr. Rebecca Schumacher, at raschumacher@fla-schoolcounselor.org and share your interests.
 
Finally, as you begin considering hiring new counselors for the coming year, I bring to your attention the certified school counselor job description that the FSCA board approved, after a period for public comment, in April 2018. The job summary states:
 
The certified school counselor provides leadership in the school through the implementation of a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program aligned with the district and school’s mission to promote academic, social/emotional, and college/career development while ensuring equity and access for all students.
 
Descriptions for school counselor qualifications, essential functions, promoting positive school climates, leadership and advocacy, and additional functions can be found on our Certified School Counselor Job Description page. As positions become available, we suggest that you review the job description to ensure the posted language aligns with the FSCA description. If it does not, this is an excellent opportunity to advocate for change. Also, you are always welcome to send your job opportunities to me at elizabethvillares10@gmail.com so they can go to our members in our weekly bulletin and through an email blast.
 
I wish you continued success throughout the rest of the school year.
 
Elizabeth Villares, Ph.D., is a professor at Florida Atlantic University and 2018-2019 FSCA Governing Board chair. Contact her at elizabethvillares10@gmail.com.