Purpose of Advisor Certification:
To recognize and promote the training and experience that builds a solid student leadership program and celebrate those who have attained this training
To recognize the importance of receiving professional training from WASBO, WACA, and like organizations
Structure:
To apply to be a Washington Student Leadership Adviser, you need 150 hours, earned in 3 of the 6 categories. Hours may be earned as clock hours from an OSPI-approved provider or contract hours. Advisors are limited to no more than 50 hours in any one category
You must re-certify every 5 years with an additional 150 hours
Advisors meeting the requirements will be awarded with a student leadership adviser certificate during the annual March WACA meeting
WACA is the provider of the certificate, not the manager of clock hours
Those wishing to achieve the certification will turn in an application to WACA using an online form. The expectation will be for the adviser to make extra copies of clock hour forms and collect verification of contact hours
Advisers may use clock hours and contract hours beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. They should start a folder they keep with copies of clock hours/transcripts/contact hour verifications
Audits:
To maintain the integrity of the certification program, each year up to 10% of the submitted applications will be audited. Those applicants will receive a request to submit digital copies of all of their documentation
Timeline:
All applications submitted by February 1st will be presented to the available delegates at the annual WACA conference each year. Applications submitted after February 1st will be considered for the following year
SUBMISSION OF CERTIFICATION DOCUMENTS:
All required certification documents must be submitted digitally.
Certification Categories
Pedagogy (supports Improving Instruction)
Teaching Leadership Class at Cispus
Challenge course facilitator training
Middle level adviser training during camp
Earn modules/clock hours in local school district for working in PLC or like group. (Must be completing work that directly links to Leadership curriculum)
Teach an approved Leadership course (attach letter/documentation from school verifying this)
First Aid/CPR training
Professional Conference (supports Improving Instruction, Creating a Culture, Ensuring School Safety, Engaging the Community)
WACA Conference
WACA Board Membership
AWSL or MLR Conference
NASC, CADA or other professional conference that directly relates to leadership training
Focused In-service (supports Improving Instruction, Creating a Culture, Ensuring School Safety, Engaging the Community)
WACA Pre-Conference Session
WACA-provided workshop at AWSL Conference
WASBO ASB Committee meetings
Finance and Legal Issues (supports Managing Resources)
AWSP/AWSL ASB Finance workshops
WASBO ASB training
WASBO Conference
Other approved training that addresses ASB law and finance issues
Hosting and/or teaching an approved training that addresses ASB law/finance
Middle School /High School Level (supports Engaging the Community, Creating a Culture, Ensuring School Safety, Managing Resources)
Middle Level Regionals Facilitator
La Chispa Facilitator
Middle Level retreat staff
MS Leadership Camp (intern or staff)
Host a MLR (provide letter from school certifying this activity)
Host a Leadership retreat/lock in (provide letter from school certifying this activity)
Cheer camp (intern or staff)
HS Leadership Camp (intern or staff)
La Cima Camp (intern or staff)
Boys/Girls state staff or intern
Business week staff or intern
Dare to Dream Academy staff
Other related week-long training with school permission (e.g. yearbook camp)
Host a LASC/Interhigh (provide letter from school certifying this activity)
Serve as an Activities Coordinator, class adviser, or ASB approved club adviser. (AC weighted higher, as more hours)
Attend AWSL Fall Conference, MLR, or Interhigh
Engaging the Community
Facilitate an event that promotes learning within the community
Dedicated community service project that partners with families in the community
(for example, Literacy Night, Career Fair, outreach in the community such as food drives, community cleanup, blood drive, community service/service learning, senior citizens banquet, hosting a community forum, etc.)
2025 WACA Certified Advisors
Le Ann Straehle
Toppenish High School
Heath Booth
Washington High School
Shayna Hutchens
Walla Walla High School
Beth Belisle
Timberline High School
Elise Erickson
Bremerton High School
Grace Neff
Valley View Middle School
Anita Johanson
Manson Middle School
Kristina VanderHorst - Rollings
Edison Elementary School
Christina Pederson
Lakewood High School
Rachel Patrick
Cascade High School
Travis Salmi
Juanita High School
Stephanie Sheppard
Guiadrone Middle School