MASCA upcoming events

Navigating the Grey: MASCA’s Legal & Ethical Monthly Symposium Season 3 (29 Sep 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Navigating the Grey: MASCA’s Legal & Ethical Monthly Symposium- Season 3

Transform Your Practice Through Expert-Led Ethical Decision Making

Are you facing increasingly complex ethical situations in your role as a school counselor? Join MASCA's innovative virtual symposium series designed to strengthen your decision-making skills and expand your professional toolkit.

Program Overview

Dive deep into pressing ethical challenges through this dynamic, interactive workshop series. Each monthly session creates a collaborative learning environment where you'll:

Explore real-world case studies relevant to today's school counseling landscape
Engage in facilitated small-group discussions with peers
Learn from experienced presenters on specialized topics
Build a stronger foundation in ethical decision-making

Series Details

Dates & topics listed below
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Format: Virtual via Zoom
Investment: $65 for the complete series (members) and $120 (non-members)

Dates and Topics (TBA)

September 29
October 20
November 17
December 8
January 12
January 26
February 9
March 2
March 16
April 27

*Please note that there will be an additional 2 hours of assigned asynchronous work, to be outlined during the course, in order to earn the 10 PDPs

Earn While You Learn

Qualify for a minimum of 10 Professional Development Points (PDPs)
Receive MASCA's specialized Microcredential in Ethical Practice
Access session recordings for flexible learning
Gain valuable resources through the Counselor's Notebook

Program Leadership

Expertly coordinated by MASCA's Ethics Committee in collaboration with our Executive Director and Professional Development Chair, ensuring high-quality, relevant content aligned with current professional standards.

Why Participate?

Address real ethical challenges you face daily
Build confidence in handling complex situations
Network with colleagues facing similar challenges
Access ongoing resources and support
Contribute to the broader counseling community through shared learning

Registration Includes

Access to all live sessions
Session recordings for flexible viewing
Pre and post-session materials
Small group discussion opportunities
Certificate of completion
Microcredential upon meeting all requirements

I'm interested, but what if I can't make all the sessions?

Not to worry! While live sessions are always more engaging, dynamic, and interactive, the sessions will be recorded and available online for you to view if you need to miss a session. Please note that a check-in (to be described at the first session) will be required to verify completion of a recorded session.

Join us in this transformative professional development opportunity designed specifically for school counselors who seek to elevate their ethical practice.

Space is limited. Register today to secure your spot in this comprehensive professional development series.

Navigating the Grey: MASCA’s Legal & Ethical Monthly Symposium - CE Registration only (29 Sep 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Navigating the Grey: MASCA’s Legal & Ethical Monthly Symposium- Season 3

Transform Your Practice Through Expert-Led Ethical Decision Making

Program Overview

Dive deep into pressing ethical challenges through this dynamic, interactive workshop series. Each monthly session creates a collaborative learning environment where you'll:

Explore real-world case studies relevant to today's school counseling landscape
Engage in facilitated small-group discussions with peers
Learn from experienced presenters on specialized topics
Build a stronger foundation in ethical decision-making

Participants who are interested in earning up to 10 CE's for attending all sessions live is done in addition to the event registration.. Note: you cannot earn CEs for sessions watched at a later time. This is a requirement of the NBCC.

Cost = $100

September 29 Retirees SIG meeting (29 Sep 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:00:00 GMT

MASCA Retiree SIG Fall Kickoff meeting

We hope you will join us for the MASCA Retiree SIG Fall Kick Off Virtual Meeting. Bring your favorite beverage and get ready for a fun time with colleagues. We will be getting to know one another and making plans for the year. All meeting attendees will have a chance to be part of a gift card raffle! We value your input and ideas and can't wait to see you. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ruth Carrigan (rwcmed@gmail.com) or Chris Soverow (csoverow@gmail.com). Here the details:

Date: Tuesday, September 29th

Time: 4:00-5:00 PM

Place: You must pre-register here.

Access & Opportunity: Helping Our Most Vulnerable Students & Families Navigate the Financial Aid System Workshop (06 Oct 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Access & Opportunity: Helping Our Most Vulnerable Students & Families Navigate the Financial Aid System

Join us for this interactive and in-person 3-hour workshop which equips school counselors with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to effectively support students and families navigating today’s complex financial aid landscape—especially those from underserved, immigrant, mixed-status, first-generation, and economically vulnerable communities.

Participants will hear directly from professionals representing Massachusetts public college financial aid offices, the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA), and a practicing school counseling professional serving an urban and underserved community. Together, presenters will provide practical guidance on FAFSA and MAFSA completion, state and institutional aid opportunities, common barriers faced by vulnerable student populations, and best practices for building trust and increasing access to postsecondary education.

This workshop is designed for middle and high school counselors, college and career readiness staff, and educational professionals committed to expanding access and opportunity for all students. It will also specifically support school counselors with the implementation of the new graduation requirement dealing with MAFSA/FAFSA completion.

Location: Scanlon Banquet Hall - Westfield State University | 8:30-12:00 | Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Cost: Only $10

Breakfast included and optional campus tour at 12:15

You can view the agenda here.

Questions: Contact Bob Bardwell, Executive Director

October 6 Governing Board meeting (06 Oct 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Agenda TBA

Mental Health Matters: Recognize and Respond Microcredential (08 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Mental Health Matters: Recognize and Respond- MASCA's newest microcredential

As student mental health needs continue to grow, school counselors play a critical role in identifying concerns, providing support, and fostering student well-being. This micro-credential equips counselors with the knowledge, confidence, and practical intervention strategies needed to effectively support students experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

Participants will explore evidence-informed, school-based approaches to identifying and addressing student mental health concerns, delivering appropriate counseling and intervention services, and collaborating with school teams to promote positive outcomes.

Participants will leave with actionable tools, enhanced confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to address student mental health needs within the unique context of schools.

Here are the eight dates, times and topics. Speakers TBA. All sessions will be via zoom and can be recorded to view later if you are not able to attend.

Date	Time	Topic	Speaker(s)
10/8/26	10:30-11:45	Structuring Counseling Services for Predictability and Impact	TBA
11/5/26	10:30-11:45	Case Formulation and Mental Status Assessment	TBA
12/3/26	10:30-11:45	Trauma-Informed Counseling Practices	TBA
1/7/27	10:30-11:45	Supporting Students Experiencing Depression	TBA
2/4/27	10:30-11:45	Supporting Students Experiencing Anxiety	TBA
3/4/27	10:30-11:45	Externalizing Behaviors and De-escalation	TBA
4/1/27	10:30-11:45	Risk Assessment, Harm and Safety	TBA
5/6/27	10:30-11:45	Counselor Wellness and Sustainability	TBA

Cost: $65 for members and $120 for non-members

10 PDPs and/or 10 Continuing Education Hours available

10 CEs registration: $100 and will be done separately

Mental Health Matters: Recognize and Respond Microcredential - CE registration only (08 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Mental Health Matters: Recognize and Respond- MASCA's newest microcredential

MASCA has partnered with Walker Solutions to offer our very first microcredential focused on mental health. Join us for this exciting series of workshops starting on October 8.

As student mental health needs continue to grow, school counselors play a critical role in identifying concerns, providing support, and fostering student well-being. This microcredential equips counselors with the knowledge, confidence, and practical intervention strategies needed to effectively support students experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

Through real-world case studies, collaborative discussions, and guided reflection, counselors will strengthen their clinical decision-making skills and develop a toolkit of practical, ready-to-use strategies for supporting students across a range of needs. Participants will leave with actionable tools, enhanced confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to address student mental health needs within the unique context of schools.

See below for the dates and topics of this 8-part series. All sessions will held on Thursdays from 10:30-11:45 AM, will be held via zoom and will be recorded to view later if you are not able to attend live. Kelsey Taylor, LMHC, Senior Consultant and Trainer, will be facilitating the series. Kelsey is a seasoned child and family therapist, supervisor, trainer, and administrator with 19 years of experience working in child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, and school systems. She is skilled in program development and system implementation for trauma informed care and evidenced-based practices and treatments. Kelsey is passionate about developing the knowledge and skills of paraprofessionals, educators, and clinicians to support youth with a wide range of social, cultural, mental health, and behavioral presentations through training, consultation, and supervision.

Date	Topic
10/8/26	Structuring Counseling Services for Predictability and Impact
11/5/26	Case Formulation and Mental Status Assessment
12/3/26	Trauma-Informed Counseling Practices
1/7/27	Supporting Students Experiencing Depression
2/4/27	Supporting Students Experiencing Anxiety
3/4/27	Externalizing Behaviors and De-escalation
4/1/27	Risk Assessment, Harm and Safety
5/6/26	Counselor Wellness and Sustainability

10 CEs registration: $100.

You must register for the event separately.

New Counselor Boot Camp (13 Oct 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This 5- session virtual program is geared toward new counselors (0-3 years of experience). We’ll cover topics such as licensure and evaluations, caseload management with 504’s/IEP’s, data and comprehensive school counseling programming, collaboration with administrators and other relevant topics you’ll encounter in your role as a school counselor/adjustment counselor. We’ll have guest speakers and experienced professionals in the field who can share their best practices with the participants. This program is open to all grade level counselors as well as graduate students.

Meetings will be held on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30pm on Zoom on the following dates:

Date	Topics
October 10	Session 1: Professional Foundations, Licensure, & Self-Care
October 27	Session 2: Caseload Management
November 10	Session 3: Data-Driven Interventions & Progress Monitoring
November 17	Session 4: Strategic Stakeholder Collaboration & Administrative Partnerships
December 1	Session 5: Ethical/Legal Issues & SEL Integration

While all sessions will be recorded, we encourage you to attend the sessions live as we know the conversations will be enriched with your attendance. Special note: folks with perfect attendance for all 5 live sessions will be entered into a raffle to win a prize!

The cost for this series is $50 for members and $105 for nonmembers.

Once you’ve registered, the Zoom meeting link will be provided via email.

Questions?? Contact Kathi Moody or Ali Robidoux, NCBC Coordinators

October 14 SSW/SAC SIG meeting (14 Oct 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The SAC/SSW (School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker) SIG will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, October 14th from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Christine Shaw, Ph.D., Director of the School Counseling Program at Merrimack College will be joining us. Our topic is: The Ethical and Legal Considerations for SW/SAC/SCs in School Shooting Situations: A Case Study. Looking at a single case study, we will break down the warning factors, policies in place and legal tools available to counselors to possibly impact the outcome of a volatile situation.

To join the meeting, you must pre-register here.

MASCA November 3, 2026 PD Training - Building Connection, Resilience, and Belonging for Boys and Transgender Students (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

November 3 Professional Development Day - Building Connection, Resilience, and Belonging for Boys and Transgender Students

MASCA will once again host our annual Election Day PD program at Assumption University from 8:00-3:00. The difference in 2026 will be that there are two tracks for participants – one focused on supporting boys, often called the Silent Sufferers because of the lack of support and recognition of the significant needs that many of our boys have, and the second one focused on supporting the needs of our transgender students. More details, including the agenda, are coming soon.

November 3, 2026 PD Day - Building Connection, Resilience, and Belonging for Boys and Transgender Students - CE registration only (03 Nov 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

ANNOUNCING OUR ANNUAL ELECTION DAY PD

Building Connection, Resilience, and Belonging for Boys and Transgender Students

Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Assumption University, Worcester
8:00-3:00
PDPs and CEs available
$60 for members; $115 for non-members

MASCA will once again host our annual Election Day PD program at Assumption University in Worcester from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The difference in 2026 will be that there are two tracks for participants – one focused on supporting boys, often called the Silent Sufferers because of the lack of support and recognition of the significant needs that many of our boys have, and the second one focused on supporting the needs of our transgender students. Note: you can only participate in one track, which you indicate when you register.

The agenda is still being finalized, but this gives you an idea of what we are planning and what to expect.

You can earn 5 CEs for attending this program for the entire day. The cost is $50. You must register for the event separately.

Access & Opportunity: Helping Our Most Vulnerable Students & Families Navigate the Financial Aid System Workshop (17 Nov 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Access & Opportunity: Helping Our Most Vulnerable Students & Families Navigate the Financial Aid System

Location: Brandeis University | 8:30-12:00 | Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Cost: Only $10 for members; $65 for nonmembers

Breakfast included and optional campus tour at 12:15

You can view the agenda here.

Questions: Contact Bob Bardwell, Executive Director

November 18 SSW/SAC SIG meeting (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The SAC/SSW (School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker) SIG will meet on Wednesday, November 18 from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Our topic will be Refreshing our SAC/SSW Toolkit also known as “A Bag of Tricks”. Please come prepared to share both your questions (i.e. What do you do when…) as well as your favorite fall back ideas. When do you get stumped? What new or old interventions have you tried that have become a staple practice? What conversation openers/facilitators do you use frequently? What preferred activities do you use with positive outcomes? What resources can we share with each other?

We will also have time to discuss questions related to the new DESE SISP Rubric for SSW/SACs.

To join the meeting, you must pre-register here.

December 9 SAC/SSW SIG meeting (09 Dec 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The SAC/SSW (School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker) SIG will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, December 9th from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Spencer Yacino, Ed.S., BCBA, LABA who serves as the Program Director of Emergency Services at Clinical Support Options in Gardner will be joining us on the topic of Mental Health Crisis Assessment. We will share and discuss evidence-based and best practices for the SSW/SAC related to risk assessment, suicide screening, mental status evaluation and more.

This Special Interest Group is geared for members serving as a School Adjustment Counselor/School Social Worker or in a related clinical role.

To join the meeting, you must pre-register here.

December 9 Governing Board meeting (09 Dec 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Agenda TBA

January 13 SSW/SAC SIG meeting (13 Jan 2027)

Wed, 13 Jan 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Agenda - TBA

February 10 SSW/SAC SIG meeting (10 Feb 2027)

Wed, 10 Feb 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Agenda - TBA

February 11 Governing Board meeting (11 Feb 2027)

Thu, 11 Feb 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Agenda TBA

LEAD Academy: Leading Self, Engaging Others, Advancing Systems, Demonstrating Impact (22 Feb 2027)

Mon, 22 Feb 2027 05:00:00 GMT

Registration starts November 2026

March 10 SSW/SAC SIG meeting (10 Mar 2027)

Wed, 10 Mar 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Agenda - TBA

MASCA Annual Spring Conference - Navigating the Waves of Innovation (05 Apr 2027)

Mon, 05 Apr 2027 04:00:00 GMT

Details coming soon.

April 6 Governing Board meeting (06 Apr 2027)

Tue, 06 Apr 2027 20:00:00 GMT

Agenda TBA

June 8 Governing Board meeting (08 Jun 2027)

Tue, 08 Jun 2027 20:00:00 GMT

Agenda TBA