Missouri News
By MSCA | April 2020
Share Your Commitment and Make a Difference
Board of Directors Nominations Process – Deadline is May 15Are you interested in making a difference in your profession? Consider running for a position on MSCA’s Board of Directors. During this election process, three individuals will be elected by their peers to serve a three-year term beginning on July 1, 2021.
In addition to knowledge about and experience in the school counseling field, the Nominations and Elections Committee seeks leadership candidates with a demonstrated commitment and service to the organization, a working knowledge of the Missouri Comprehensive Counseling Model and a temperament that contributes to and generates group consensus, wisdom and vision. Visit moschoolcounselor.org to apply. Applications are due May 15, 2020.
2020 Fall Conference
November 8–10 in Osage Beach
Save the date for the 2020 Fall Conference! The event will be held on November 8-10 at the Tan-Tar-A Conference Center in Osage Beach. The Fall Conference will feature over 100 breakout sessions, level sharing, 100+ exhibitors, and Brian Coleman (2019 ASCA School Counselor of the Year) as our opening keynote speaker! Watch for additional information, including registration, on the MSCA website coming soon. We hope you join us on November 8-10, 2020.
2020 Professional Recognition Ceremony
December 12 in Jefferson City
Save the Date for the 2020 Professional Recognition Ceremony and dessert reception. The event will be held at the Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City on Saturday, December 12, beginning at 1:00 p.m. During the event, MSCA will be celebrating the best of the best in the school counseling field. Watch for additional details coming soon.
The Importance of Joining Your Teachers’ Associations
The MSCA office continues to receive phone calls and emails from school counselors who are experiencing job issues and unfair evaluations, being asked to adhere to expectations not required of the teaching staff, and being named in legal actions. It is critical that every school counselor is a member of their teachers’ association, MSTA or MNEA; these associations are the entities that will advocate for and represent school counselors in situations like the ones stated above. ASCA and MSCA cannot intervene in these situations. PLEASE reach out to your building representative from MSTA or MNEA and talk with them about joining. It is the best “insurance” you can have related to your position!Self-Care Ideas from the Board
As Matt mentioned in his opening to this newsletter, self-care right now is a priority. As school counselors, your worry basket is filled to the brim as you carry your concerns about students, staff, administration, families and your own loved ones. During May, MSCA will send out daily week-day tweets with self-care ideas and book suggestions from counselors from across the state. We hope you get some good ideas from these Tweets! Speaking of good ideas, here’s what the MSCA board members are doing for self-care.- Becky Arway: Becky just took up quilting, and is hoping to finish a quilt by the end of summer.
- Matt Berry, chair of the Board: Matt is looking forward to trips to Michigan, and trying new restaurants…hopefully, SOON!
- Becky Houtchens: Becky gets up early to enjoy daily solitude for exercise, reading, prayer and coffee.
- Lori Kayser, assistant chair: Lori is enjoying spending time with family…especially in her happy place, aka Branson!
- Becky McIntyre: Becky takes long walks at least four times a week.
- Gen Nelson: Taking long walks in the neighborhood and working in her garden are self-care for Gen.
- Tosha Todd: Sleeping, reading and travel are on Tosha’s self-care list.