Advocating for comprehensive school counseling programs in Maine.
Learn MoreFor School Counselors, Advocates, and Administrators
The Maine School Counselor Association (MESCA) represents counselors at K-12 schools across the state. We promote professionalism and ethical practices and advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program in every Maine School.
Free Mini-Workshops for MESCA Members
Grab your calendar and pencil in these exciting new professional development sessions! MESCA is offering mini-workshops throughout 2019 to connect school counselors with relevant information and supportive conversations regarding the issues facing students in Maine’s K-12 schools.
Congratulations to Tara Kierstead!
2018 Maine School Counselor of the Year
About the Winner
Tara Kierstead is the school counselor at Hall-Dale Middle & High School, serving students in grades 6-12. Students with problems big and small love Ms. Kierstead. Her humor and ability to put things into perspective for her students help her make a difference each and every day.
“Tara is so excited to share what she knows with others,” said former Assistant Principal Tom McKee. “I’ve been in education for 22 years; I’ve taught at 9 different schools across the country, and, hands down, Tara is the best!”
Tara is driven to be an advocate for her students and staff alike. Whether she is working to mediate issues between students, advocating for students, helping them process outside-of-school issues so that they may get through their day, or helping staff members practice self care, Tara is a vital cog that keeps the Hall-Dale community moving forward. To say that Tara enriches the lives of her professional colleagues, her staff, and her students is an understatement.
In addition to being Maine School Counselor of the Year, Tara was also named LBGTQ Youth Educator of the Year in 2018. She has served on the MESCA board for nine years, including serving as its President, and she also volunteers for various ASCA committees.
Tara brightens every room she is in, making those around her feel comfortable–and usually making them laugh out loud!
About the Award
The Maine School Counselor of the Year Award honors the best of the best – counselors who are running a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at either the elementary, middle or high school level. MESCA members make nominations throughout the year and the winner is announced at MESCA’s annual conference.
Who will be the next Maine School Counselor of the Year?
Scholarships for Graduate Students
MESCA can help offset the costs of your studies!
WHAT: Two $300 scholarships will be awarded at our annual conference.
WHO: Master’s level Counselor Education degree program students
WHERE: Husson University or the University of Southern Maine
WHEN: Applications are due by November 1, 2019.
2018 MESCA Conference Sponsors
Become a Member of MESCA!
Are you a dues-paying member of the Maine School Counselor Association? What are you waiting for? It’s worth every penny! MESCA members enjoy the support of peers from around the state, a members-only newsletter, professional development opportunities, discounts on conferences, and more.
