top of page

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PASC knows that behind every successful student leader is an adult advisor who helps elevate student voice and engagement. While many of our programming is focused on students, PASC recognizes that adults require their own specialized professional development, and the training advisors need is often not found in their school. For that reason, PASC is also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as an Act 48 provider. Adults attending our regional and state conference, as well as our PAL Conference and Student Summit, can earn Act 48 hours for their involvement. Additionally, PASC continues to develop virtual and "on-demand" training for our advisors as well. 

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A STUDENT COUNCIL ADVISOR?

Successful organizations are made possible by willing, patient, and creative advisors/teachers. A progressive and innovative activity or group does not just happen, but is determined by the personal qualities of that Advisor.  The very “key” to that group’s success is the adult serving in the Advisor’s capacity. The way that the Advisor plays his or her role can be most significant to an organization and to the school/community that organization serves. How is the role of the Student Council Advisor unique? While there may be a difference on specific duties in a given school, there is a general agreement on the Student Council Advisor’s role as Planner, Consultant, Counselor, Evaluator, Teacher, Agent, Fundraiser, and Salesperson.

Download for more information

PASC IS AN ACT 48 PROVIDER!

PASC strives to provide advisers professional development opportunities that have positive impacts on student achievement both within the classroom and the community.

If you need Act 48 Credits, please come to the many year-round events that the Pennsylvania Association of Students Councils host!

  • District/Region Conferences 

  • PASC State Conferences

  • PAL Conference 

  • Advisor Training

QUESTIONS?

Niki Ciaramelia

pd@pasc.net

PASC Professional Development helps advisors:

  • Be enthusiastic, energetic, imaginative, resourceful and have a sense of humor.

  • Serve as a behind-the-scenes "coach"

  • Juggle many activities and projects at once

  • Display calmness under stress and have the ability to work effectively in a crisis setting

  • Learn from both success and failure.

  • A positive attitude about yourself and your own worth, and the worth of students

  • The ability to listen

  • The ability to stimulate group spirit with an awareness of responsibilities

  • Self-discipline, self-knowledge, and self-determination

  • Patience, an open mind, and a willingness to reach consensus in decisions

  • The ability to delegate responsibility, share authority, and follow up without intimidation

  • Organizational skills and a great planning and scheduling program.

  • Enthusiasm and dedication

  • Hold regular meetings and planning sessions with the executive council.

  • Make detailed yearlong plans, writing goals for each project.

  • Be a bridge between the students, faculty, administration, and other groups.

  • Maintain frequent contact with faculty and administrators.

  • Oversee services and activities for the school and community that will bring improvement to the school community.

  • Teach as well as practice democratic actions and encourage civic engagement.

  • Develop student leaders.

  • Lead but do not do the student's work.

  • Give assistance, guidance, and praise when appropriate.

  • Be open minded, looking for new ideas and encouraging the best from students.

  • Find ways to guide council members without dictating.

  • Develop a mutual respect between you and the council.

  • Assist the council in meeting deadlines and achieving goals.

  • Understand how student activities operate in your district and state, including legal responsibilities.

RESOURCES

New Advisor Handbook

Project Planning

Sample Constitution

Sample Meeting Agenda

How to Host a Middle Level Conference

How to Host a Region Conference

How to Host a State Conference

bottom of page