Foundations of the ISCA Model: Building a Comprehensive and Preventative Counseling Program

The aim of the International Model for School Counseling Programs is to provide a framework for encouraging and promoting best practices among international school counselors. The International Model guides the formation, review, and improvement of counseling programs at schools all over the world. This interactive course is designed to sharpen your knowledge on the flexibility the Model offers to create a comprehensive school counseling program. Counselors will leave with tips and tools that they can use immediately in their school counseling program.

Intended Audience

This course is suited to participants who are new to international school counseling as well as to those who have years of experience.

ISCA Student Standards

This course is primarily  All ISCA Student Standards will be connected. 

ASCA Professional Standards and Ethical Standards and Practices

A.3. Comprehensive Data-Informed Program, School counselors:

b. Provide students with a comprehensive school counseling program that ensures equitable academic, career and social/ emotional development opportunities for all students. (ASCA Ethical Standards, 2016)

Essential Questions

1. How might I apply the International Model for School Counseling Programs to my current school setting?
2. How might we leverage the diversity among counselors at various divisions, and in various cities around the world to work towards the same goals and share resources?

Participants will have knowledge about:

1. the ISCA International Model
2. the 4 components of the Model:
   1. Foundation
   2. Program Delivery
   3. Management System
   4. Accountability

Participants will be able to:

1. examine the International Model
2. create program goals
3. collaborate with counselor colleagues from around the world
4. develop a three-year implementation plan based on the needs of their student and school needs

Cheryl Brown

Cheryl Brown (M.A. International Affairs and French Studies, Certified Teacher ) has worked and taught in international schools thirteen years with nine years experience in high school counseling in Pakistan, England, Indonesia, China, Poland and Oman . Additionally, Cheryl has experience in working in organizations around the world, including managing policies in an educational accreditation agency to improve and maintain standards and quality of educational programs. Cheryl has extensive experience working as a school counselor with expertise in comprehensive counseling programs, counselor leadership, consulting with international school counseling department, as well as student protection program design, Cheryl is also an adjunct professor at The College of New Jersey.

Brooke Fezler

Brooke Fezler, M.A. in Counseling, is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the International School Counselor Association (ISCA), drawing upon her extensive experience in international school counseling. Since 2005, she has worked in schools across five countries, making a significant impact on student success through effective coordination of school-wide initiatives and promotion of comprehensive counseling programs. Brooke is also an adjunct professor at Lehigh University, sharing her expertise with aspiring counselors. As a co-developer of the International Model for School Counseling Programs in 2011 and 2022, she has contributed to advancing the field. Her dedication to education and multifaceted involvement as a Co-Founder, Director, adjunct professor, and author make her an invaluable asset to ISCA and the international school counseling community.

ISCA Member Price: $460

Non-Member Price: $540

Dates and times of offerings (Online): 

January 18, 19, 25 & 26, 2027; 12:00pm to 3:00pm UTC

Contact Hours: Twelve (12) Professional Development Hours

Time commitment between sessions: 2-3 hours between sessions

Required Resource(s): Fezler, B. and Brown, C. International School Counseling Association. (2011). International model for school counseling programs.