Missouri News

Join Your Teachers’ Associations

The start of the school year is a good time for all school counselors to remember that they should seriously consider joining their teachers’ associations. Each year, MSCA receives at least one call from a member who has encountered job issues of some sort. When asked, virtually all of such callers say they are not members of their teachers’ associations. Here’s why you need to join:

1. If there is a job action that involves you (unwanted transfer, poor/unfair evaluation, poor/unfair treatment, dismissal from your position, etc.), it’s your teachers’ association that will represent and advocate for you.
2. It's your teachers’ association that negotiates salary and benefits for staff.
3. most teachers’ associations offer perks for many different types of services you and your family may need.

Now, most people will say that joining is too expensive, but dues can be taken out through each paycheck. In all honesty, this is the most important membership you can/should have this is about protecting you and your job. Neither ASCA nor MSCA can help you in a job action; only your teachers’ association can. Please protect yourself by joining your teachers’ association. MSCA has an excellent relationship with both MNEA and MSTA; these groups have been immensely helpful to school counselors through the MSIP process and several other legislative efforts. We are grateful for their efforts on behalf of Missouri school counselors.
 

MSCA Supporting School Counselors

Throughout the pandemic, MSCA has worked hard to support school counselors across the state as we all grapple with how to serve our students and schools, all while trying to take care of the health and well-being of ourselves and family members.

The added resources, educational events, and networking opportunities provided by MSCA will continue throughout the fall semester (and beyond!). Below are just a few of the ways that MSCA is working to support you. Watch your email and MSCA social media for additional information coming soon.

• Happy Hours These virtual events provide open discussion time for school counselors across the state to share information, resources and concerns and are a great way to connect with others. Virtual happy hours will take place every other month on the third Thursday at 5:00 p.m., starting on Thursday, August 27 at 5:00 p.m.
• Level Sharing Events Level sharing virtual events provide the opportunity for school counselors to connect with their peers based on level (elementary, middle/junior high, secondary, multi-level and counselor educator). These virtual events will be held every other month on the third Thursday at 5:00 p.m. starting on Thursday, September 17 at 5:00 p.m.
• Counselors, Coffee and Conversation These events will feature Dr. Shari Sevier, MSCA director of advocacy, and will include strategies for various situations, mindfulness activities, etc. These new events will be held every other Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m., starting on Wednesday, September 2 at 9:00 a.m.
• Webinars Every month, MSCA will offer educational webinars presented by school counselors across the state. These will take place on the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 1:00 p.m. These sessions will be recorded for those not able to log in and watch live.
• Monday Memos Throughout the school year, MSCA will continue to provide its Monday Memos, sent every other week via email and posted on the MSCA website. These memos include information and resources for school counselors.
• Make sure to follow MSCA on social media for the most up-to-date information. MSCA is on Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, join the MO School Counselor Support group page on Facebook created by MSCA Board Members.

MSCA Membership

To ensure your access to all the resources provided by MSCA, make sure you renew/join today! MSCA membership remains at the low cost of $50 per year. To renew/join, visit the MSCA website. In addition to all the above programs, below are just a few benefits of MSCA membership.

• Subscription to MSCA’s official publications
• A voice in national organizations such as ASCA
• Active liaison with state educational organizations
• Direct involvement during local, state and national legislative processes
• Representation by a paid lobbyist in the state capitol advocating for you AND your profession
• Annual fall, spring and leadership development conferences
• Research assistance
• And more!