Nominations for the 2027 San Diego County School Counselors of the Year (SCOY) are now open. This program honors three exceptional counselors at the elementary, middle, and high school levels who excel at creating spaces where students feel they belong.
Nominate an individual for School Counselor of the Year
Who Should You Nominate?
Exceptional school counselors create supportive, inclusive environments where every student feels valued, connected, and empowered. They take a holistic approach to addressing students’ academic, social-emotional, and college and career development while demonstrating leadership, advocacy, empathy, and a commitment to educational equity.
They build meaningful relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community partners and use their expertise to remove barriers, expand opportunities, and help all students thrive.
Nomination Process
Educators across the county can nominate deserving candidates during a five-week nomination window. Following the nomination period, nominees will have the opportunity to indicate their interest in moving forward in the selection process. The SCOY Committee will then review candidate materials and invite selected semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews.
Nomination Window: Aug. 18 to Oct. 5, 2026
Nomination Confirmation Window: Oct. 12 to 30, 2026
SCOY Semi-Finalist Virtual Interviews: November/December 2026
SCOY Finalist Site Visits: January 2027
2027 SCOY Recipients Announced: February 2027
Eligibility Requirements:
1. Employed as a full-time school counselor during the 2026-27 school year.
2. Completed at least five years as a practicing school counselor in a K-12 public or charter school in San Diego County.
3. Hold a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, school counseling, or an equivalent field, and possess a valid Pupil Personnel Services credential as a certified school counselor in California.
If you have any questions about the nomination process, contact Lezya Weglarz, project specialist, at lezya.weglarz@sdcoe.net.