President's Letter: Back to Work with MSCA

Michigan School Counselor Association has served school counselors across our great state since 1964. The last five years, during which time I’ve had the honor of serving on the MSCA board, have been among the most exciting years in the association’s long history. Our membership has grown and the renewed focus on the mental health of our students has put the expertise of school counselors in the spotlight on various state education platforms.

Our current and past board members have worked tirelessly to provide our members with the support they need to meet the increased needs of students. MSCA is a volunteer working board, which means our board members are stretching themselves to the max. I would like to recognize the work that they put in throughout the year.

I also know that our members have been putting in extra time, effort and resources and I applaud you all for being there for your students. The fallout of COVID-19 and the turbulence in our schools have made school counselors everywhere stretch themselves thin to keep up with the increasing demands in their buildings. I know that we also keenly feel our students’ pain, and it is a heavy emotional toll that we carry. So thank you for all you do in your vital role.

This year, the board will be working on a strategic plan to help support our members in their work. This means a focus on professional development, solidifying professional identity and advocacy for school counselors and our students. We will also revisit our mission and vision statements to ensure that they fit our strategic plan and what we want to accomplish for our members.

As the new MSCA president, I am humbled and grateful to represent our hard-working, essential members. I am confident that our dedication and involvement in the lives of our students will continue to pay dividends in their future. Let’s roll up our sleeves – it’s time to get back to work!

Contact Shannon Underwood, MSCA president, at sunderwood@portageps.org.