About MSCA

The Missouri School Counselor Association is a dynamic professional organization that has officially served school counselors of Missouri since 1948. MSCA was founded to help persons interested in school counseling make the most effective use of their skills and talents in services to students, parents, school personnel, and community members.

As a member of this organization, you will be given an opportunity to participate in its many programs, all of which are designed to achieve greater personal and professional growth. Through your membership, you will work with others to help improve the school counseling profession. MSCA’s strengths lie in the willingness of its members to support programs that lead to the attainment of our common goals.

MSCA Membership Mission

The mission of MSCA is to promote quality in professional school counseling. The organization of MSCA shall be led by the strategic planning process.

The mission of MSCA shall be:

A. To promote effective and relevant comprehensive counseling programs responsive to the academic, personal /social, and career development needs of Missouri youth by:

  1. Encouraging the development of creative counseling programs and activities;

  2. Maintaining and improving professional standards in the field of counseling ;

  3. Providing opportunities for counselors to be aware of legislation, services and research that affect the youth of Missouri.

B. To promote counseling on the local, state, and national levels by:

  1. Uniting professional persons engaged in school counseling work in one organization;

  2. Disseminating information and focusing public attention on legislation in any way affecting the status of counseling work as a professional endeavor;

  3. Encouraging cooperation with other professional organizations that have similar aims and interests.

Governing Board End Policies

MSCA exists so that 100% of the activities and operational budget of the association are focused on the membership.   MSCA exists so that members are equipped to create equitable opportunities and inclusive environments for all PK-12 students to justify expenditure of 100% of the operational budget.

E.1      School counselors are educated about, and advocate for, state and national legislation related to school counseling and education issues.

E.1-A  School counselors are knowledgeable about leadership and advocacy principles and strategies.

E.1-B  School counselors are knowledgeable about the importance of the relationship between MSCA, DESE School Counseling, school counselor educators, and other educational entities.

E.2      School counselors have a uniform identity and serve as a resource for students, staffs, and communities.

          E.2-A  School counselors are knowledgeable about and support implementation of the Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program.

          E.2-B  School counselors are knowledgeable about and enhance their professionalism through membership in their professional associations.             

E.3      School counselors are highly trained professionals who regularly seek professional development.

          E.3-A  School counselors are knowledgeable about current ethical and professional practices and their application.

          E.3-B  School counselors are knowledgeable about research-based best practices.

          E.3-C  School counselors are knowledgeable about current trends in school counseling and education.

E.3-D   School counselors are knowledgeable about best practices and application in creating school communities that prioritize equity & inclusion.

MSCA Bylaws

View the current MSCA bylaws.