Recently, ISCA leaders Larissa Zelisko-Director of Counseling & Dr. Vince Walsh-Rock-Executive Director met in person for an in depth conversation about the concerns ISCA had received regarding the decision to recognize Rep Mazzochi as the ISCA Legislator of the Year. Rep. Mazzochi was nominated and received this award due to her leadership in writing HB 1719, which was signed by Governor Pritzker and became law PA 102-197 in July, 2021. The law amends the School Code, the Seizure Smart School Act, the College and Career Success for All Students Act, the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Sex Offender Community Notification Law, and the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act to replace the terms "school guidance counselor" and "guidance counselor" with the term "school counselor". This significant piece of legislation is essential for Illinois school counselors as it provides the opportunity to advocate for their appropriate responsibilities as determined by the American School Counselor Association. In the meeting, Rep. Mazzochi shared that ""she supports school counselors and the valuable work they do for students needing assistance." Additional dialogue included the opportunity to clarify best practices for Social and Emotional Learning and school counselor professional ethics.

ISCA Executive Director Dr. Vince Walsh-Rock contributed to this story. Click here to listen or read the story. 

Congratulations to the ISCA Student Scholarship Recipients and their inspiring school counselors! One recipient was selected from each of the 7 ISCA Regions. ISCA received over 850 scholarship applications.

Region 1: Diana Ayala 
Counselor: Diana Mondragón - Dundee Crown High School

Region 2: Rachael Bennett
Counselor: Dave Baisden - Fulton High School

Region 3: Shreya Arikati
Counselor: Jessica Sampson - Glenwood High School

Region 4: Jayden Brown
Counselor: Courtney Lillard - Danville High School

Region 5: Megan Houberg
Counselor: Karen Olsen - Collinsville High School

Region 6: Alexis Davis
Counselor: Janelle Oxford - Robinson High School

Region 7: Yashara Cartman
Counselor: Jessica Mulder - Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep

The Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) recognizes schools committed to delivering a top-notch, data-informed school counseling program.

A.N. Pritzker School (Re-RAMP)
Chicago, IL

Crystal Lake South High School (Re-RAMP)
Crystal Lake, IL

Dr. Martin Luther King Academy of Social Justice
Chicago, IL

Rich Township High School
Matteson, IL

Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center (Re-RAMP)
Chicago, IL

Wendell Phillips Academy High School (Re-RAMP)
Chicago, IL

West Park STEAM Academy
Chicago, IL

The 7 ISCA Student Scholarship Winners (one from each Region) will be annouced on May 1st or earlier. 

Take advantage of this opportunity to transform your school counseling practice and your school. This 3 day intensive Professional Development experience will build your Race and Equity skillset. 
$100 for Graduate students
$200 for ISCA Members
$300 for ISCA Non-Members

Publicity flier REC - Feb 2022.pdf

Read this important article written by Dr. Autumn Cabell-ISCA member and DePaul University Counselor Educator. Use this article to advocate for more school counselors! 

Students face mental health crisis. But schools aren't ready to help_.pdf

There is a school counseling position open that supports two middle schools Eisenhower and West in Rockford, IL . I have attached the position description. Please let me know if I should send it out to someone else.Online Employment Application _ Open Positions.pdf

Do you know have a school counselor needing to be recognized for their amazing work? How about a school administrator or community member that consistently champions and supports the work of school counselors?

Nominate someone today! Click here for the application

Click here for information about ISCA Awards and Past Winners.