Tennessee School Counselor and Administrator Leadership Institute logo

September 17-19, 2023
Embassy Suites Hotel & Convention Center
1200 Conference Center Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Tennessee School Counselor and Administrator Leadership Institute Conference September 17-19, 2023 header
Tennessee School Counselor and Administrator Leadership Institute Conference September 17-19, 2023 header
Tennessee School Counselor and Administrator Leadership Institute Conference September 17-19, 2023 header

Don't miss Tennessee's premier conference for school counselors!

Thanks for joining us for the 2023 Tennessee School Counselor and Administrator Leadership Institue!​

We hope to see you next year!

PRESENTING AND OPERATING SPONSOR

SPONSORED BY

Corporate Sponsors

Foundation Sponsors

HUGH & CHARLOTTE MACLELLAN CHARITABLE TRUST

Weldon F Osborne Foundation logo

Learn more about our Sponsors

ACT is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. Grounded in more than 60 years of research, ACT is a trusted leader in college and career readiness solutions. Each year, ACT serves millions of students, job seekers, schools, government agencies and employers in the U.S. and around the world. For more information please contact Schwann Logan, Account Executive at (901) 337-4652 or schwann.logan@act.org.

ABC’s TCAP Success Workbooks, eBooks, and New Online Testing are your key to school-wide performance improvement! TCAP Success workbooks include free eBooks, Online Testing administration, scoring, and data report features, plus Teacher’s Guides. Built-in analytics, mapped to current Tennessee Academic Standards, help you provide data-driven instruction customized to your students’ needs. Request your free ABC sample copy today!

For more information please contact Jenny Gale, Senior Account Executive at (470) 949-3064 or jgale@abck12.com.

Bethel University’s Dual Enrollment program provides an opportunity for qualified high school juniors and seniors to begin their college education while still in high school. This program offers an affordable and efficient way to gain a head start on earning a college degree. Courses are taught by qualified instructors and either at the high school or through an online learning format. Credits earned can be applied to Bethel’s wide variety of degrees and programs with an opportunity to receive a Dual Enrollment scholarship. Credits can also be transferred to the college or university of the student’s choice.

For more information please contact Craig Lunn, Director of Dual Enrollment at lunnc@bethelu.edu or at 731.352.6329.

As a local, not-for-profit company, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee believes in healthy communities. We work with over 54,000 providers to give our 3.28 million members options and provide the best discounts on convenient, local care. Our 6,500+ employees work, live and play alongside our members, helping to make these communities better for everyone. And more than 12,000 employer groups trust us to help protect their employees and their families. Learn more on our website. 

For more information contact Mike Watson at michael_watson@bcbst.com or at (901) 544-2291. 

Centerstone is a nonprofit  health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth, school-based services, and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, therapeutic foster care, children’s services and employee assistance programs.

For more info, please contact Robert.Lambert@Centerstone.org.

.

CollegeforTN aims to prepare students and  their families from across the state for their ideal college and career. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation manage the CollegeforTN.org website and update it regularly with new tools and resources to help students research and organize their college, career, and financial aid search. CollegeforTN: You can get there from here!

DialCare is a virtual and telephonic counseling service. You can give your students ages 11 and older access to mental health assistance no matter where they are. Members can use their phone, tablet or computer for sessions with mental health professionals from the comfort of their home or on the go. Let our mental health professionals help give you peace of mind.

For more information contact Becca Bean, Assistant Vice President at beccab@dialcare.com.

.
Health Connect America provides mental and behavioral health services to children, adults and families. We provide services in the community, in the home, in the school, or in one of our multiple offices across several states. Our network of direct care professionals is readily available to meet the needs of our clients and their families in our communities. We are honored to be a part of the communities we serve and walk alongside our clients as they embark on a journey to self-improvement. For more information contact Jacque Todd, Regional Director of Operations for East TN at jtodd@healthconnectamerica.com. or at (706) 329-0729.
.
.
.

Jane Ross Tutoring is a test prep agency with over 40 years of experience preparing students for the ACT, PSAT, and SAT with offices in Memphis and Nashville. The student training typically takes the form of a full-day workshop that can be offered at your school. Students learn effective strategies that help them maximize their scores on an upcoming test. The teacher professional development trains teachers to integrate ACT prep into their regular classroom instruction and assessment. 

For more information please contact Ben Phillips, Agency Director at (901) 795-7377 or contactus@janerosstutoring.com.

The mission of JAG Tennessee (formerly Jobs For Tennessee Graduates -JTG) is to guide this generation of students, empowering them with the essential skills to excel in employability, education, and life. JAGTN is an nonprofit affiliate of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) and offers a one-credit, CTE completer course for any program of study to help students identify their unique post-secondary pathways, gain essential career skills, and foster meaningful connections with statewide employers. 

 

For more information please contact John Dwyer, President & CEO at (615) 289-1703 or jdwyer@jagtn.org.

.
The Jason Foundation,  Inc.   (JFI) is dedicated to the  prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth. For more information please contact us at 615-264-2323 or contact@jasonfoundation.com.

Kidlink Treatment Services Tennessee (KTS TN) is a network of specialized residential treatment centers that provide programming to children and adolescents. Youth who participate in these programs may have been unsuccessful in previous treatment settings, and may find the help they need through Kidlink Treatment Services. 

Kidlink Treatment Services works with parents, social services and court agencies, as well as school districts, insurance companies and managed care companies to assist them in identifying the most clinically appropriate treatment setting for their children and youth.

The facilities in our network accept most major insurance, including Medicaid. In an effort to support military members and their families, our Tennessee programs are also TRICARE®-certified.

For program information for our Tennessee facilities, please visit:

Milton Hershey School is one of the world’s best private schools, where qualifying students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade live on campus. Students receive an exceptional educational experience, nurturing home life, college and career readiness support, and comprehensive health and wellness care, including medical and dental services, food, and clothing—with all costs covered. 

For more information contact Sara T. White at Whitesa@mhs-pa.org.

.
.

The Monique Burr Foundation for Children (MBF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting youth from bullying, online dangers, and all types of child abuse by providing evidence-based/trauma-informed personal safety and prevention education programs. MBF Programs include MBF Child Safety Matters® (for elementary schools), MBF Teen Safety Matters® (for middle and high schools), MBF Athlete Safety Matters® (for youth athletes), and MBF After-School Safety Matters® (for after-school and youth-serving organizations).
For more information, please contact Julie LeMay, Customer Service Manager, at julie@mbfpreventioneducation.org or at 904.562.1846.

.

Oasis Education helps schools reduce wait times for mental health services by offering same-day Support Counseling appointments with mental health professionals (Noon-3am). We also provide on-demand courses and strategic learning paths that build stress tolerance, growth mindsets, and self-efficacy. 

These support services are offered within a highly accessible and secure platform that can be downloaded on any web browser, iOS, and Android device.

Contact us to schedule a demo!

For more information please contact Sam Harper, Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer at (724) 252-4021 or sam@oasisapp.com.

QuaverReady is an online program designed to help all students succeed in school. It includes an evidence-based social and emotional learning curriculum and intervention and behavioral resources.

For more information contact Colleen Storey, Director of Sales at colleenstorey@quavered.com or 678-431-0323.

With RV sales increasing and more and more  Americans taking to the road to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle, skilled RV technicians are in high demand. The RV Technical Institute’s hands-on training and instruction, created by top RV industry experts, provides the experience and expertise needed by manufacturers, dealerships and repair shops nationwide.

For more information please contact Curt Hemmeler, Executive Director, via email at rvti-info@rvti.org or at 800.664.0154.

.
SCUTA is used by school counselors and school districts to develop a data-driven, evidence based school counseling program. It follows the ASCA National Model® recommendations and offers confidential, comprehensive documentation and use of time analysis system. It is an invaluable tool for School Counselors who want to do best practice, keep accurate records and develop a data driven school counseling program. School Counselors using SCUTA, have the ability to clearly illustrate the nature of their work and school needs with supervisors and stakeholders. For more information please contact Kathy.
.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly. The Commission develops, implements, and evaluates postsecondary education policies and programs in Tennessee while coordinating the state’s systems of higher education. THEC is relentlessly focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential.

The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC), a non-profit corporation created in 1974, administers over 20 different state student financial aid programs, including the HOPE scholarship, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, and the Dual Enrollment grant. To increase awareness and participation in these financial aid programs, the agency conducts outreach and training to students and staff at every high school and postsecondary institution in the state. TSAC also works directly with postsecondary financial aid offices to improve program effectiveness, compliance, and efficiency.

For more information please contact Jason Seay, Senior Director of Outreach at jason.seay@tn.gov or at 615.253.7459.

Enlisting in the Tennessee ARMY National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime, and earn pride for life. Learn more about the opportunities in the Tennessee ARMY National Guard.
.

For more information please visit tn.gov/education.html or contact Dr. Karey Lowdermilk, Manager of College and Career Counseling at (615) 762-0874 or Karey.Lowdermilk@tn.gov.

What does “Building Your Future. Not Your Debt.” mean? It is asking you to let our program provide the education you need to advance your career without incurring any debt. Sounds crazy, right? It’s not. We are investing in your talent and future so that you can grow your career without a heavy financial burden. Our model allows you to focus on learning and growing, not how much it is costing you. Let’s do this together.

For more information please contact Ann Baker, Dean of UFP Business School at ann.baker@ufpi.com or (616) 365-1574. 

.
.

Quick Facts

.

Testimonial Videos

The U.S. Army provides state-of-the-art education and skill training in a multitude of career fields from Culinary to Aviation to Medical and Engineering to name a few. Learn about free education resources the Army offers to students and teachers. Connect with the Education Services representative who can provide presentations on these resources, ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP), March 2 Success test prep course and Army benefits to you, your parents, or your school!

For more information please contact Dawne Divine at dawne.c.divine.civ@army.mil

.
.

YouScience is the leading technology provider dedicated to solving the skills gap crisis for students and employers. YouScience Brightpath is the first-of-its-kind aptitude-based guidance platform that leverages data and artificial intelligence to help students identify their aptitudes, validate their skills, and get matched with educational and career pathways.

For more information contact Ivey Harrison, Senior Territory Manager at ivey.harrison@youscience.com. or at (615) 802-3604.

.
.
.
.
Xello is an engaging, online program that helps K-12 students define their future goals and transform their aspirations into actionable plans for success. The program puts students at the center of their college and career planning experience. It helps them build self-knowledge, explore their options, create a plan, and develop the 21st-century skills needed to thrive in the world of work.
.

Digital Brochure

.

Xello for Elementary

.

Xello for College

.

SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Horacio Sanchez headshot

Horacio Sanchez

Tommie Mabry headshot

Tommie Mabry

Promoting Student Success

Horacio Sanchez

Opening Keynote Speaker
September 18, 2023 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION:

Self-regulation is the one mental process that overrides obstacles that hinder planning, attention, learning, memory, and the coping skills required for students to achieve immediate goals and obtain long-term success. Without the skill to self-regulate, students will succumb to the whim of every thought, distraction, emotion, and desire. The lack of self-regulation is the root of many of the behavioral and academic issues education faces today. The development of self-control enables students to transcend life’s obstacles and engage in new skills that promote academic success (Inzlicht, Bartholow, & Hirsh, 2015). Therefore, educators need to know how to promote self-regulation in order to maximize student achievement. Come learn the key steps identified by neuroscience to promote self-regulation. The steps identified in the research have been found to help students placed at-risk by life’s circumstances to experience life success.

SPEAKER BIO:

Horacio Sanchez is the President and CEO of Resiliency Inc., an agency leader in helping schools improve school climate, instruction, and discipline. Horacio is recognized as one of the nation’s prominent experts on promoting student resiliency and applying brain science to improve school outcomes. The Maladaptive Council (Academy of Science) recognizes him as a leading authority on emotional disorders and resiliency. He is a highly sought-after speaker and has keynoted many national conferences.

Horacio has been a teacher, administrator, clinician, mental health director, and consultant to the Department of Education in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and other states. His diverse education and background have helped him to merge research, science, and practice. Horacio sits on the True Health Initiative Council of Directors, a coalition of more than 250 world-renowned health experts, committed to educating on proven principles of lifestyle as medicine. He has authored several articles and books on the topics of resiliency, closing the achievement gap, and applying neuroscience to improve educational practices and outcomes. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Education Revolution published by Corwin Press, which applies brain science to improve instruction, behaviors, and school climate.

Horacio will also be presenting a breakout session.


Understanding Students Through Their Perspectives

Tommie Mabry

Closing Keynote Session
September 19, 2023 | 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION:

This session will give strategies to provide a space for students to develop a positive perspective on their formal education. This interactive session will provide educators with real-world insight into how shifting their own perspective on their students, can transform the educational process. By taking a deep dive into what shapes students’ perspectives, educators can better understand the beliefs, values, and experiences of students who have been labeled as “troubled” or “at risk.”

This session will also allow participants to see the importance of being able to build trust with their students.

SPEAKER BIO:

Dr. Tommie Mabry grew up in one of Jackson, MS roughest neighborhoods. He was suspended or expelled from several schools due to his behavior. Things started to change for Tommie when he joined an AAU basketball league that traveled around the world. He received a full basketball scholarship to Missouri State University-West Plains and later received a B.A. cum laude in Education from Tougaloo College and his M.A. in Child Development. After his undergraduate studies, Tommie was hired as a teacher by the same Jackson Public School District that had suspended and expelled him many times during elementary and secondary education. He went on to get a Doctorate Degree – an Executive Ph. D. from Jackson State University in 2020 where he majored in Urban Higher Education. Tommie now travels the world sharing his story to motivate and inspire others.

PRE-INSTITUTE SPEAKERS

TaRael Kee headshot

TaRael Kee

Wendy Rock headshot

Wendy Rock

Kim Frank headshot

Kim Frank

Kristi Knitter headshot

Kristi Knitter

Build a Culturally Sustaining School Counseling Program

TaRael Kee

Pre-Institute Speaker
September 17, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION:

School counseling programs must account for the rapidly changing school demographics. Students from multiple backgrounds have a variety of needs that standardized school counseling programs cannot address. Learn how school counselors can practice cross-cultural communication skills, utilize ASCA’s National Model from an equitable lens, identify student needs from an MTSS perspective, and use data to identify and remove equity barriers.

After attending this workshop, you should be able to:

  • Facilitate student and staff discussions regarding race
  • Use the ASCA National Model to Define, Assess, Manage and Deliver a culturally sustainable school counseling program
  • Apply MTSS to address the needs of students from culturally diverse backgrounds
  • Use participation data, ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors data and outcome data to create an equitable school culture

SPEAKER BIO:

TaRael Kee is an assistant principal at Collinsville High School. He is also currently serving as President of the Illinois School Counselor Association. He recently became a Site-Based Trainer for the American School Counselor Association. As a former school counselor at CHS, he utilized data and technology to push the department to become more innovative, efficient, and inclusive. TaRael is a published author. He was named the Collinsville School District e-Educator of the Year (2017), recognized by College Board in (2018), received the Lindenwood Alumni Spotlight (2019), and was awarded Illinois School Counselor of the Year (2021). TaRael graduated from Lindenwood University with a specialist degree in Educational Leadership in May 2021.

TaRael will also be presenting two breakout sessions.


Working with Minors in Schools: Legal and Ethical Considerations

Wendy Rock

Pre-Institute Speaker
September 17, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION:

School counselors must balance parents’ legal right to be the guiding voice in their children’s lives with students’ need for confidentiality. Participants will explore topics such as responding to potentially suicidal youth, supporting youth from marginalized populations, working with sexually active minor students, FERPA and counselor notes, the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), and other sensitive topics. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Ethical Standards for School Counselors (2022) will be reviewed and an ethical decision-making process will be applied to case studies that will support participants in their understanding of the complex nature of around minor’s rights to confidentiality and parent’s rights while building confidence in their approach to challenging ethical dilemmas.

SPEAKER BIO:

A professional school counselor with almost two decades of experience, Dr. Rock joined the Southeastern Louisiana University faculty full-time in the fall of 2017 as an assistant professor. She is a licensed professional counselor/board-approved supervisor, nationally certified counselor, and nationally certified school counselor. She currently serves as the school counseling coordinator. Dr. Rock received her M.Ed. from the University of Texas at Austin in Educational Psychology (concentration in school counseling) and her Ph.D. from the University of Holy Cross (New Orleans) in Counselor Education and Supervision. She presents on a variety of topics at both the state and national levels. She served as a past president of the Louisiana School Counselor Association (LSCA). She is a past co-Chair of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Positions Statement Committee, a past member of the Louisiana High School ReDESIGN Professional School Counseling Task Force, and a past Associate Editor of The Professional School Counselor. She is a member of the Louisiana ACT Council, a member of the national ACT Steering Committee, a member of the Louisiana Counseling Association Government Relations Committee, Chair of the LSCA Counselor Ethics and Professional Standards Committee, Co-Chair of the Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors (ACES), School Counselor Interest Network, Secondary School Counselors Workgroup, and Chair of the ASCA Ethics Committee. Research interests include school counselor professional identity, the school counselor’s role in student mental health, school counselor-principal relationship, school counselor advocacy, and school counselor ethics.

Wendy will also be presenting two breakout sessions.


What Now? Strategies to Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the General Education Setting

Kim Frank and Kristi Knitter

Pre-Institute Speakers
September 17, 2023 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

ABOUT THIS SESSION:

Who has more anxiety? The teacher of a student with ASD or the student who has ASD? Let’s give educators some evidence-based tools to help students with ASD be more successful in the general education setting. These tools are not just for students on the spectrum! Strategies that support students with ASD benefit other students too.

Our goals for this session are for participants to:

  1. Identify the characteristics of ASD and how they impact teaching and learning, and
  2. Develop a set of go-to strategies to support students with ASD and the educators who teach them.

SPEAKERS BIOS:

Kim Frank is an educator with more than 40 years’ experience as a teacher, educational consultant, district coordinator, and board-certified behavior analyst. Kim worked as an educational consultant for the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) from 2004-2012. During that time, she served as the autism consultant for the Autism Treatment Network and was appointed Assistant Faculty in Pediatrics, the Division of Development Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Kim currently provides consultation services regarding behavior intervention, supporting students with ASD, trauma-responsive school communities, restorative practices, and the integration of these initiatives into a comprehensive multi-tiered framework.

Kristi Knitter is an educator with 37 years’ experience as both a classroom teacher and a school counselor at the elementary level. She has experienced success implementing comprehensive school counseling programs and has earned recognition as a model implementer for multi-tiered systems of behavioral support. Her schools have received the highest awards for implementation of RTI2B programs. Those programs include school counseling programs that focus on social-emotional learning for all. She currently serves in two elementary schools in Murfreesboro City Schools and assists educators in both schools to pilot programs of support that combine a consideration of behavior and academics.

Kim and Kristi will also be presenting two breakout sessions.

SCHEDULE

Professional Development

As at previous events, we will be offering professional development credits for attendance. 

TASL Credits: Up to Ten (10) hours of TASL credits are available for the main days of Institute and Pre-Institute. Up to 10 available if not attending pre-institute.

Professional Development Points (PDP): Up to Twelve (12) hours of Professional Development Points (PDP) for the main days of Institute and Pre-Institute. 10 available if not attending pre-institute.

REGISTRATION

Become a Member

Before registering for the institute, please visit the TSCA web page and become a member or renew your annual membership to save. For questions about TSCA membership please contact, Carla Christian at csc829@gmail.com.

TNSCALI Conference | September 17-19

TSCA Member Institute Registration*

$135

(Includes a Pre-Institute Learning Session)

Non-Member Institute Registration

$170

(Includes a Pre-Institute Learning Session)

*Your TSCA membership must be good through September 19, 2023 to qualify for these rates.

Please Note: If we are forced to cancel the Institute because of a “force majeure” event, such as a government restriction on large gatherings that cover the intended size of the conference, then we will issue full refunds of the registrations. Otherwise, our normal cancellation policy will be upheld: There will be no refunds after August 25, 2022. All cancellations before August 25, 2022 will be refunded less a $25 handling fee. The association is not responsible for and cannot give refunds due to problems beyond its control, such as weather and school closings.
On social distancing and other health and safety measures, the regulations/guidelines that apply to hotels and conference centers may change. The Institute will conform to all necessary regulations/guidelines that are in place as of the date of the conference.
The sponsors of the conference receive registrant contact information.

ACCOMMODATIONS

VENUE & HOST HOTEL

Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel and Convention Center

1200 Conference Center Blvd
Murfreesboro, TN 37129 

Map

Tennessee School Counselor and Administrator Leadership Institute Embassy Hotel exterior

Come Learn and Play!

In the evening, make sure you take time to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Visit The Avenue, just minutes away and in walking distance from the Embassy Suites! You can sit back and relax at the many restaurants at The Avenue, such as Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Longhorn Steakhouse and Chili’s Bar and Grill, along with others. Enjoy shopping at the Ann Taylor Loft, White House / Black Market, Off Broadway Shoes, Forever 21, and many more!

We hope this conference will educate and equip you to do your job well, and we also hope you will take advantage of the wonderful ways you can relax and be refreshed!

CONTACT INFORMATION

866.318.6294

Fax 423.899.4547

registrations@ncyi.org

National Center for Youth Issues
ATTN: TNSCALI
P.O. Box 22185
Chattanooga, TN 37422-2185

Make all checks and purchase orders payable to:
National Center for Youth Issues

The Attendee will receive an email confirmation to the email address provided when their registration is processed. (Make sure to check Junk/Spam folders.) Attendees who register online will get an automatic email confirmation. Please allow ample time for processing if registrations are emailed, faxed, or phoned in.

Please contact TSCA directly with all membership questions.

Sponsors receive attendee contact information.