Vision, Mission, and Core Beliefs

Organizational Background and Mission

The Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA) is a professional organization which represents over 1000 school counselors, school counselor educators, and graduate students in Washington State. WSCA was first established in 1965 and became a designated Section 501(c) 3 organization in 2007. WSCA is also a division of the American School Counselor Association. It is operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes. The mission of WSCA is, “To promote best practices in, and advocate for, professional school counseling.”

Vision

WSCA will further develop Professional School Counselors’ expertise by providing leadership and professional development that promotes positive student outcomes in the areas of Academic Support, College and Career Readiness, and Social/Emotional Development, thereby enhancing equitable achievement for every student.

WSCA Core Beliefs and Positions

Accountability

We believe in accountability to our stakeholders and are committed to achieving organizational goals. We also believe in accountability through the acquisition, development, and utilization of current and evolving research-based knowledge. 

Advocacy

We believe in the importance of advocating for our students’ wellbeing, equitable educational opportunities, and the school counseling profession. (See Appendix for legislation)

Collaboration

We believe in fostering interdependence and connectedness among people, organizations, and societies as the primary means to achieve common goals that have a positive impact on our students and our members.

Diversity

We believe in the additive value of race and gender inclusion, diverse life experiences and cultures.

Equity

We believe that all students have the right to an accessible and high-quality education within an equitable, safe, supportive, and healthy learning environment. We are also committed to reflect and improve upon our organization and its support of all members. (See Appendix for Position Statement)

Leadership

We believe in leadership that requires a willingness to take risks, a readiness to take stands, a responsibility to act on vital issues, and a shared vision of positive results for our students, membership, and profession.

Systemic Change

We believe that people, organizations, and societies can be educated on historical facts and current data to include qualitative and quantitative research that will stimulate and facilitate change.