MSCA Positions

The MSCA encourages your to get involved in your state organization. If you are interested in getting more involved, please contact the current president, Maureen Ponce at president@mscaonline.org.


Listed below are the Maryland School Counselor Association elected positions: (These positions are voted on by the Maryland School Counselor Association Membership)

  • President
    • The President is the chief elected officer of the association.  The president shall preside at all meetings of the Association and at all meetings of the Executive Board, shall appoint the chairs of all committees, and shall be  an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominations and Elections committee. The president or their designee shall be the representative on the Maryland Association for Counseling and Development Executive Council, and shall be a Maryland School Counselor Association delegate to the American School Counselor Association Delegate Assembly.
  • President Elect
    • President Elect is a three year cycle. You start as President Elect (preparation to take on the role of President), then President (The President shall be the chief elected officer of the Association, shall preside at all meetings of the Association and shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Board, shall appoint the chairs of all committees, and shall be ex-offico member of all committees, except the Nominations and Elections Committee. The president or their designee shall be the representative on the Maryland Association for Counseling and Development Executive Council and shall be a Maryland School Counselor Association delegate to the American School Counselor Association Delegate Assembly.), then Past-President (support the current President).
  • Elementary School VP
    • Each Level Vice President shall serve as spokesperson for the policies and procedures of MSCA to counselors at their particular level. This person shall also be coordinator of interest level meetings within the time allotted to MSCA and MACD conferences.
  • Middle School VP
    • Each Level Vice President shall serve as spokesperson for the policies and procedures of MSCA to counselors at their particular level. This person shall also be coordinator of interest level meetings within the time allotted to MSCA and MACD conferences.
  • High School VP
    • Each Level Vice President shall serve as spokesperson for the policies and procedures of MSCA to counselors at their particular level. This person shall also be coordinator of interest level meetings within the time allotted to MSCA and MACD conferences.
  • Post Secondary VP
    • Each Level Vice President shall serve as spokesperson for the policies and procedures of MSCA to counselors at their particular level. This person shall also be coordinator of interest level meetings within the time allotted to MSCA and MACD conferences.
  • Secretary
    • The secretary shall record all proceedings of the Association and shall handle correspondence as directed by the president. The secretary must maintain a written or electronic record of the meetings of the organization and have those available for review. The records must also be archived and passed on after each term of office.
  • Treasurer
    • The treasurer shall submit current financial statements at all board meetings and a complete financial report at the end of the fiscal year, and shall perform other duties as directed by the president with the approval of the Executive Board. The May report shall be emailed to all members of the MSCA Executive Committee. The treasurer will present the approved budget at that general meeting to occur at the Annual Conference.

 

Committee Chairs: These positions are appointed by the Maryland School Counselor President. All positions listed are for one year in duration.

  • Recognition Committee
    • The Recognition Committee coordinates the nominations and selections for School Counselor of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Educator of the year, and Graduate Student of the Year. In addition, this committee will organize the NSCW School Counselor Recognition Gala.
  • By-Laws Committee
    • The By-Laws Committee reviews the by-laws of the Association on an annual basis and making recommendations to the Executive Board as appropriate.
  • Ethics
    • This committee shall be charged with the responsibility of reviewing the Ethical Standards of the Association and assist the membership in understanding ethical practices.
  • Advocacy and Legislative Concerns Committee
    • Discusses current legislation impacting school counselors and student mental health and provides counselors with information to advocate for our profession at the local, state, and national level.
  • Public Relations Committee
    • The Public Relations Committee Chair shall seek in every way possible to maintain and improve the image of the Association as seen by the general public, by members of this and other professional associations.
  • Mentoring Committee
    • Aims to connect school counselor colleagues across Maryland in a caring, collaborative, encouraging, and supportive professional relationship. This committee will work to review mentor and mentee applications and provide professional development to our members in the area of mentoring. Our goal is to strengthen school counselors’ efficacy in implementing comprehensive school counseling programs, addressing barriers, and becoming effective systemic change agents. This goal is met through a variety of models including a one-to-one mentoring program, professional learning communities (PLCs) and affinity groups.
  • Membership Committee
    • Maintain membership database, help set up and organized registration for MSCA events. Help facilitate membership promotion activites such as the yearly MSCA Membeship Drive.
  • Merchandise Committee
    • Is responsible for the sale and distribution of MSCA merchandise through online sales and various events.
  • Professional Development Committee
    • The Professional Development committee supports MSCA mission and vision to create a network of support for school counselors by providing professional and leadership development, outreach, and advocacy.  
  • Racial Equity & Social Justice Committee
    • Seeks to empower all school counselors to engage in a culturally affirming counseling philosophy. The committee serves as a source of information and professional development for school counselors in Maryland to ensure racial equity and social justice are an integral part of the foundation of their school institution.
  • Social Media Committee
    • Communicates with our membership via social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
  • Regional Representatives
    • Each region will have one representative in order to communicate regional needs to the board.
      • Regions:
        • Independent/Private School Representative represents all Independent/Private schools. 
        • The Eastern Regional Representative represents Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, Worcester, and Cecil Counties. 
        • The Western Regional Representative represents Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties.
        • The Central Regional Representative is representing Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Howard Counties.
        • The Southern Regional Representative is representing Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert Counties. 
  • Graduate Student Representative
    • The graduate student representative will be welcome at all executive board meetings. The graduate student representative will assist in promoting the organization to other Maryland school counseling graduate students, and the appointed representative will also assist with the operation of the organization’s yearly events such as the MSCA Conference and the Graduate Student Seminar.

 

** NOTE: All positions are available to School Counselor Advocates, Counselor Educators, and Elementary, Middle, and High School Counselors. **

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