President's Letter
Greetings All TSCA Members,
It is wonderful to start a new school year! Each year we have a new beginning for ourselves and our students. New goals, personal growth, and change are greeted with excitement and anticipation of what will be. It is time to reflect… What do we want to be known for? As I deliver this question I must also embrace the answer that will be directly up to me as your president.
In reflection, we have the first full board in quite a while. All positions are filled and the officers and committee chairs are ready to get to work. We had record numbers attend our Luncheon at the Fall TCA Conference. We had a great beginning at the Tennessee School Counselor and Administrator Institute by hosting a fruit and dessert “Meet and Greet” attended by many of our members and others interested in becoming members, some hearing about TSCA for the first time. The year came to a close in Minneapolis at the ASCA Delegate Assembly/LDI and ASCA National Conference attended by the President, President Elect, and President Elect Elect learning many new strategies for improving our organization and increasing membership. Special thanks to Tracy Watson for her outstanding leadership.
The new year began at TCA/LDC with an Executive Council meeting to review the areas that we must grow and change and to set goals. Our goals are to improve our leadership from the top down. Involve all stakeholders in achieving our goals and to create a foundation for future leadership improvement. We must improve our ability to obtain new members and sustain current membership. In order to do this, we will improve our website; increase services available to members only, network within the state directly with school counselors by utilizing our vice presidents, survey the needs of our membership using current technology, and research ways to increase our income outside of membership dues. I know that you are thinking this is a “tall order” to achieve in one year. I tell you we are up to the challenge.
What do we want to be known for? We want to be known as the “number one” state organization for school counselors. We want to be known for providing top quality professional development and services to school counselors that are ongoing. We want to be known for our ability to recognize quality comprehensive school counseling programs, school counselors and counselor educators that make a difference in our state and profession. We want to be part of a bigger whole for all counselors to change and grow. Are you in for the challenge? As members we are all responsible for what we want to be known for. We have many talented professionals among us. Get involved and be the difference in our professional organization this year. Recruit, promote and participate. See you soon at TCA Conference! Register today and remember TSCA Pre-conference, TSCA Luncheon, and nominations for TSCA Recognition Awards.
In your service,
Kim Jessee