MDE recently released an official memo regarding School Counselor Professional Development requirements, which are set to take effect on February 6, 2020 of this school year. Referencing MCL380.1233 (6-8), the requirements align with Michigan’s Top 10 in 10 Strategic Plan by specifically placing an emphasis on promoting a high-quality workforce. School Counselors looking to renew their certificates must now complete 50 SCECHs (from the required 150 SCECH total) in the categories of College Preparation & Selection (25 SCECHs) and Career Consultation (25 SCECHs). Specifically, school counselors are also required to designate five SCECHs from the Career Consultation category for the exploration of military career options. For a visual breakdown of the requirements needed to renew a certificate, click here.
How can the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals help?
Administrators and building principals know how crucial school counselors are to the success of the students, teachers and culture. MASSP offers many high quality, professional learning opportunities that would benefit many types of educators, including school counselors. Below is a list of upcoming workshops and trainings that can earn SCECHs for certificate renewals upon successful completion. If they meet the new 50 SCECH requirements for Career Prep & Selection and Career Consultation, it is noted below (*).
Digital Learning Network (On-Demand) PD:
- Understanding Human Behavior Through Restorative Practices
- Foundations of Restorative Practices
- Project Gameplan: Keeping Compliant Scenarios
- Student Mental Health 101 (Coming December 2019)
- Trauma-Informed Schools (Coming December 2019)
On-Location PD:
- *EDPs, Internships and Career Awareness - December 12 (9am - 12pm)
- Restorative Practices Coordinator Certification - December 16
- Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) Flexibility Conference - January 16
- Rethinking the Master Schedule: Leveraging Time, Talent & Resources - Jan 30
- *Armed Forces Expo: Uncle Sam Wants You - March 20
Download the Counselor-Specific PD Handout
For more info on how to register for the events above or to bring a face-to-face training including "Student Are Not Test Scores: The Administrator and Counselor's Guide to Finding Meaning in PSAT/SAT Results" to your region or district, please email alyssa@michiganprincipals.org or visit massp.com/PD.
Written by Ryan Cayce, MASSP Director of Digital Learning