About Us

Mission

The Montana School Counselor Association promotes professionalism and ethical practices while empowering and advocating for all school counselors.

Belief Statements

We believe:

  • Implementing a standards-based comprehensive school counseling program for all students into every school enhances student academic, career, and social/emotional success

  • All students have dignity, worth, unique characteristics, and potential

  • School counselors adhere to the ASCA Ethical Standards for school counselors

  • School counselors work collaboratively with school and community organizations

INCLUSION policy

The MSCA board is committed to facilitating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, and members feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias. MSCA is committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work.

2025–2026: MSCA in Action

A year of listening, leading, connecting, and investing in Montana school counselors.

LISTENING & DATA

Putting Montana school counselors at the center of our planning

  • Secured a $50,000 grant to launch MSCA’s first statewide school counseling survey.
  • Achieved an 80% response rate, providing valuable insight into the needs, priorities, and experiences of Montana school counselors.
  • Used survey findings to inform MSCA’s strategic priorities, advocacy, professional development, and committee work.
  • Convened 15+ organizations to review findings and identify opportunities for collaboration.

ADVOCACY

Amplifying the voice and value of school counselors

  • Testified before the School Funding Interim Commission for school counseling and student support services.
  • Supported member engagement with the School Funding Interim Commission through communications and the Advocacy Committee.
  • Used MSCA’s voice to affirm its commitment to the safety, dignity, and security of all students, while supporting school counselors navigating challenging circumstances.

PARTNERSHIPS

Building connections that strengthen school counseling across Montana

  • Strengthened relationships with OPI, GEAR UP Montana, Reach Higher Montana, Attendance Works, Small Schools Alliance, and other education and student-support organizations.
  • Participated in statewide initiatives and advisory groups to elevate the voice of school counselors.
  • Presented at statewide education and student-support conferences.
  • Expanded collaboration through the Montana GEAR UP Attendance Conference and an invitation to participate in the state attendance committee.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Creating meaningful opportunities to learn and grow

  • Welcomed Terri Tchorzynski of Hatching Results as Spring Conference keynote and trainer.
  • Expanded access to the Spring Conference by offering a virtual attendance option in collaboration with MASP.
  • Partnered with TPN Health to provide three member webinars.
  • Expanded professional learning opportunities through participation in the MFPE Educator Conference, MPSEOC, and Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Conference.

RECOGNITION & BELONGING

Celebrating the people who make a difference

  • Honored an outstanding school counselor with MSCA's Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Celebrated Montana School Counseling Week through an official proclamation from Governor Gianforte, elevating awareness of the contributions of school counselors across the state.

GOVERNANCE & STEWARDSHIP

Strengthening MSCA for today and tomorrow

  • Strengthened Board monitoring and accountability processes.
  • Created clear committee roles and guidelines to promote consistency, clarify expectations, and support current and future MSCA leaders.
  • Redesigned the School Counselor of the Year recognition process to create a more personal and meaningful celebration.