How can you help advocate for
Missouri School Counselors?
Become a Resource
Help others stay “In The Know.” One of the best ways to build credibility is to become the organization anyone can call when they have questions about our profession. Below are some helpful infographics provided by the Missouri School Counselors Association and the American School Counselor Association.
Who Are School Counselors? (MSCA)
Advocacy at the Local Level
Local leaders have a direct impact on the communities you serve. School districts, school boards, administrators, and other local officials make decisions about funding, programs, policies, and services that can directly affect MSCA and the students we serve.
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This statewide professional learning opportunity will strengthen our comprehensive school program and provide practical, evidence-informed strategies that support student achievement, attendance, behavior, college and career readiness, and personal/social development.
Do you want to attend the MSCA Fall Conference? Click here for more information.
Need to request approval from your administrator? Click here for a formal letter template.
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School Counselors are a critical link between education and the workforce. MSCA supports the Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge Report, which recognized that Missouri cannot meet its workforce goals without strong, well-supported school counseling systems.
See the Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge Report.
See one-pager on why Missouri School Counselors are Essential to Missouri’s Workforce of the Future.
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See MSCA’s Position Statements on specific topics in education and what defines the role of the school counselor relative to those topics.
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The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has a helpful guide on all school counseling topics.
See the DESE School Counseling Index.
The Missouri General Assembly and state agencies make decisions that affect school counselors across the entire state. Legislation can influence funding, regulations, licensure, education requirements, and the way services are delivered.
Advocacy at the State Level
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Building relationships is essential - Don’t wait to contact legislators only when you need their support. Build relationships throughout the year so that when MSCA needs help, lawmakers already know who we are, understand the value of our members, and recognize the importance of the issues we represent.
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Each spring, MSCA members head to the Missouri State Capitol to meet with their legislators and advocate for school counselors across the state.
Stay tuned for more information about MSCA Advocacy Day 2027!
Follow this link for a Letter Template on Legislator Outreach
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SB 1085 - Senator Joe Nicola (R)
This bill would require school staff, including counselors, to notify parents if a student requests a social transition at school and would prohibit staff from encouraging social transition.
MSCA Stance: OPPOSE
HB 2426 - Representative Ben Keathley (R)
This bill establishes provisions relating to parental rights.
MSCA Stance: OPPOSE
HB 2335 - Representative Ann Kelley (R)
This bill modifies provisions governing school employee training requirements.
MSCA Stance: OPPOSE
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