• Nominators may submit one nomination.
• The nomination deadline is normally at the end of September of the current school year.
• Nominees for Maryland School Counselor of the Year must complete the application process to be considered.
  • All nominee applications are screened for eligibility prior to review.
  • Nominee applications are normally due by mid-November of the current school year.
  • Professional recognition at the state level is required for recognition at the national level.

Eligibility for School Counselor of the Year:

• The nominee must be employed as a full-time, Maryland-based, practicing school counselor by October 1st of the current school year, and have completed at least five years as a practicing Maryland School Counselor.
• The nominee must hold a master’s degree in guidance and counseling or equivalent and be certified as a school counselor by the state of Maryland.
• The nominee must be a member of the Maryland School Counselor Association and the American School Counselor Association as of mid-November of the current school year.
• Nominees cannot be a previous Maryland School Counselor of the Year.
• Nominees must complete the application process to be considered.  Applications are normally due mid-November of the current school year.

Criteria for School Counselor of the Year Recognition :

• The applicant must demonstrate evidence of implementation of a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program (such as the ASCA National Model) and have been responsible for school counseling innovations or further development of programs supporting students’ career, personal/social and academic development.
• The applicant must demonstrate leadership and collaboration in his or her work and promote equity and access to opportunities and rigorous educational experiences for all students to maximize student achievement.  Applicants must also demonstrate collaboration with stakeholders.
• The applicant must demonstrate continual professional development as well as proof of advocacy for the profession and/or students.
• The applicant must have the ability and skills necessary to represent school counseling in a professional manner, including but not limited to high-quality written communication and public-speaking skills.