The Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School Counseling & Social Work Department will host a free* hybrid seminar, titled “Navigating the School System,” from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 13.
The event will equip participants to understand elements of the school system that are related to the human services fields of counseling and social work. Those in attendance will explore key topics on an introductory level related to effective collaboration among stakeholders in supporting student success. Workshop leaders will also delve into the diverse roles of specialists within the educational system, the special education process, truancy and real-life case studies.
The seminar will include a panel discussion of mental health professionals working in the field, including a school-based counselor, school counselor, school psychologist and school social worker, who will identify their roles and discuss how they navigate the school system.
Leading the seminar is Melissa Boas, LBC | Capital’s Director of the Professional School Counseling program and Director of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree. Prior to her work at the college, Boas served for 12 years in public education as a middle school and high school counselor as well as a supervisor of school counseling services. She believes that school counselors are integral within school districts in meeting the needs of all students’ social-emotional development, fostering academic growth and providing career education services. Likewise, Boas sees the school counseling profession as a special calling from God, a very rewarding career and is excited to train the next generation of school counselors. At LBC, Boas is an Associate Professor, teaches multiple courses, and supervises and advises future school counseling students. She is currently working toward her doctorate in education.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the different roles of school personnel (e.g., school counselor, psychologist, social worker).
2. Identify how best to consult and collaborate with stakeholders while advocating for student/client and family.
3. Understand the structure of a school system to better navigate areas such as special education, testing and truancy.
Registration closes on April 5. In-person attendees will gather in Room 401 of the Teague Learning Center on the Lancaster Bible College main campus, 901 Eden Road. Virtual attendees will be sent a Zoom link upon registration. Seating is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.
Three continuing education credits are available through LBC | Capital. *A non-refundable $25 fee will be charged to those obtaining credits.
Those with questions may contact Laura Miller at lmiller@lbc.edu.