1010 Gardenia Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32312
June 20, 2023
Dear First Lady DeSantis,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As strong advocates in our great state, The Florida School Counselor Association is reaching out to you on behalf of nearly 6,000
school counselors in Florida to bring an important matter to your attention—one that we believe continues to hold significant positive change in our school system.
In 2013, the Florida Legislature passed HB 801 requiring that counselors in elementary, middle, and high schools be “certified school counselors.” The Florida School Counselor Association celebrated this shift as it captured the move in our profession from simply providing “guidance” to students as “guidance counselors” and transformed it toward a title that more accurately reflects the comprehensive nature of our role, emphasizing our duty as advocates for student success in all areas of their educational journey.
By adopting the title of “certified school counselor” in 2013, we have been able to promote a more holistic understanding of our responsibilities and impact in the school setting. It also aligns with the evolving needs of students and the broader goals of education, which go beyond simply providing guidance in course selection and college preparation. School counselors play a pivotal role in students’ mental wellness by fostering student resiliency, promoting civic, character, and life skills education, imparting social skills, and cultivating a path toward a viable career. As professionals in the schools, this title also captures response and recovery efforts when student needs such as these arise.
This seemingly small change in terminology has the potential to reshape perceptions and enhance the recognition of the invaluable work performed by school counselors across this state. It would convey a strong message about the importance of investing in our students’ overall well-being and success if you continue to adopt this terminology as you move your resiliency initiatives into implementation this next school year. As a champion for children, you would also encourage students, parents, and educators to fully comprehend and use the resources provided by these dedicated professionals.
First Lady DeSantis, your leadership and commitment to education and the well-being of our state’s youth make you an influential advocate for this cause. By championing the transition from “guidance counselor” to “certified school counselor,” you have the power to ignite a conversation and initiate meaningful change within our education system. FSCA kindly requests your support and attention to this matter. Together, we can raise awareness, shift perspectives, and ensure that our students receive the comprehensive support they deserve. We would be grateful for any actions you take, whether through public statements, partnerships with FLDOE, or engaging with policymakers to promote this knowledge.
Thank you for your dedication to the betterment of our state and for considering this important issue. I am confident that with your support, along with the work of school counselors each day in our schools, we can create positive change that will benefit our students and strengthen our
education system in Florida. We welcome any further conversation on how the Florida School Counselor Association can support your action plan, and the impact school counselors have on the success of students in our schools.
Sincerely,
Carmen Larson, Ph.D.
FSCA Board of Directors, Chair
