School counselors impact student achievement and their work is critical for academic, career and social development at all levels. Creating opportunities to inform and educate others about the role of the school counselor also creates opportunities to sustain school counseling programs. Participants in this webinar learn about the importance of being able to dialogue with school, district and state partners in education, learn practical ways to advocate throughout the school year at the school, district and state level, and identify ASCA resources and ways to use them.
Deirdra Williams is the Director of Programs and Advocacy for the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Prior to joining the ASCA staff in 2021, she served high school students for over 20 years as a school counselor and Dean of Counseling and Student Services in one of the largest school districts in North Carolina. She is also a past Government Relations chair and as well as past President for her SCA.
Deirdra developed a passion for advocacy while serving as her SCA’s Government Relations chair and President. Her advocacy work expands from local, to state to national work and now supporting advocacy efforts of state leaders. Deirdra also coordinates the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP). She uses her own experience of earning RAMP, and providing trainings to school districts to further advocacy efforts by supporting school counselors seeking to earn RAMP for their school. Deirdra encourages use of the ASCA National Model for school counselor advocacy, especially at state and local levels.
Deirdra earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language & Literature from NC State University, Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from NC Central University and a Master of Arts degree in School Administration from East Carolina University.
