From the Executive Director: Celebrating Nebraska

I can’t adequately express in words what an honor it is to serve the school counselors in the state that I love so passionately as the new executive director of NSCA. I grew up in Auburn in the southeast corner of the state and graduated from Auburn High School before attending UNL and earning my bachelor’s degree in music education. From there I landed in Neligh where I spent three years teaching in the Neligh-Oakdale Schools and fell in love with Northeast Nebraska. Since that time I have lived in Omaha and worked in the Elkhorn Public Schools and Omaha North High School before spending the past 16 years in the Westside Community Schools. Some of my fondest memories, however, come from other places in Nebraska. Both sets of grandparents lived for decades in Central City within walking distance of the park just north of the high school. Growing up I loved riding my bike all over Central City, which was so flat compared to Auburn. My great-grandparents resided for decades in Alma. Not only do I have fond childhood memories of the Alma area, but also 17 years and counting of memories as an owner of a cabin on the south side of Harlan County Reservoir. So, while I reside in Omaha, I feel a strong connection to many parts of Nebraska and I am committed to being an executive director for school counselors from every corner of the state.
 
My first significant task as executive director is planning the NSCA 2017 School Counselor Academy and ensuring it meets the needs of all Nebraska school counselors. It will be held November 9 and 10 at the Graduate Hotel in downtown Lincoln. Each day I become more and more excited about this year’s academy – it is shaping up to be one of the best. The theme for this year is “Who Am I? Identifying Today’s School Counselor.” Who better to deliver a keynote related to this theme than Dr. Norman Gysbers? Norm is one of the key developers of the modern day comprehensive school counseling program and a giant in the profession. Hearing his perspective is something you won’t want to miss. One noticeable difference this year will be an improved exhibitor space with more than twice as many exhibitors, including some who have never been with us before. The exhibitor space alone will be educational, and we also offer more than 50 breakout sessions.
 
Perhaps the most exciting part is the opportunity to bring an administrator with you on November 9. If you have ever felt like you needed help explaining your role, this is your opportunity. For just $50, your administrator can attend and hear Dr. Gysbers, attend five breakout sessions addressing the role of the school counselor and the ASCA National Model, and watch as three counselors and one administrator are recognized at the awards luncheon. Register your administrator as your “guest” when you register for the academy. I can’t wait to see YOU at the academy.
 
Contact Doug Hauserman, NSCA executive director, at nscaexecdirector@gmail.com.