2022 School Counselor of the Year, New Jersey State Representative:
Laura Fortson-Williams
The New Jersey School Counselor Association (NJSCA) School Counselor of the Year program honors the best of the best in New Jersey -- school counselors who are running a top-notch, comprehensive school counseling program at either the elementary, middle or high school level. This year’s school counselor of the year candidates completed an extensive application process and were judged by a panel of counseling professionals on multiple criteria, including school counseling innovations, effective school counseling programs, leadership skills, and contributions to student achievement.
NJSCA is proud to announce that Ms. Laura Fortson-Williams is the NJ School Counselor of the Year. Laura is a passionate educator who has worked for Deptford Township Public Schools in southern NJ for 26 years. In that time she has held multiple positions including first and second-grade teacher, and school counselor at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In all the various roles she's held in education, she remains steadfast in believing that every child can and will learn. She is a staunch student advocate who works tirelessly to make sure her work is collaborative with the most important people in our schools-teachers! She enjoys delivering professional development and has held leadership roles in local and state counseling associations. Laura is always looking for new and exciting challenges in counseling and education. She is a a dedicated mom to two boys, and the wife of a school counselor.
Click here to read about past NJ State School Counselor of the Year representatives.
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) celebrates state representatives for the School Counselor of the Year program.
The School Counselor of the Year program honors the professionals who devote their careers to serving as advocates for the nation’s students, helping them achieve success in school and in life.
View video message from Michelle Obama.
Nominations for the School Counselor of the Year awards program are submitted by the state school counselor associations. State representatives were selected based on several criteria, including: school counseling innovations, effective school counseling programs, leadership and advocacy skills and contributions to student advancement.
“School counselors make significant contributions to the overall well‐being of students and their success,” said Richard Wong, Ed.D., executive director, American School Counselor Association. “They have unique qualifications and skills that allow them to address students’ academic achievement, career development and social/emotional needs.”
About the American School Counselor Association
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) professional organization based in Alexandria, Va. ASCA promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of professional school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, career planning and social/emotional development to help today’s students become tomorrow’s productive, contributing members of society. Founded in 1952, ASCA currently has a network of 50 state associations and a membership of approximately 30,000 school counseling professionals. For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, visit www.schoolcounselor.org.
About the New Jersey School Counselor Association
The New Jersey School Counselor Association is the organization which represents professional school counseling in New Jersey. The organization promotes excellence in the school counseling profession and to advocate for the development of all students. Click here to learn more.