Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean, center, joins OCDE staff and the 2026 Orange County Counselors and Advocates of the Year at the 12th annual Orange County Counselor Symposium on Feb. 4. 
Dr. Jami Parsons, executive director of OCDE’s Systemic Leadership for School Transformation, addresses attendees during the 2026 Orange County Counselor Symposium on Feb. 4. 
Awards honoring the 2026 Orange County Counselors and Advocates of the Year are displayed during the 12th annual Orange County Counselor Symposium on Feb. 4.
Quick look: OCDE is accepting breakout session proposals and award nominations for the 2027 Orange County Counselor Symposium, set for Feb. 9 in Costa Mesa. The annual event will feature keynote speaker Steve Pemberton and recognize outstanding school counselors and advocates from across Orange County.
The Orange County Department of Education is calling on the local school counseling community to help shape its 2027 Orange County Counselor Symposium by sharing promising practices and recognizing colleagues whose work is making a difference for students.
Breakout session proposals and nominations for two annual counseling awards are now being accepted ahead of the symposium, which will take place Tuesday, Feb. 9, at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa.
This year’s theme, “Be the Light: Every Student, Every Story,” highlights the role counselors play in helping students navigate challenges, recognize their strengths and prepare for their futures.
The symposium is designed for school counselors, district and site administrators, and other student-support professionals. Sessions will be offered as traditional presentations, interactive workshops and panel discussions, with topics focused on supporting students’ academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social-emotional well-being.
“Help us celebrate and strengthen Orange County’s K-12 school counseling community,” said Dr. Jami Parsons, executive director of OCDE’s Systemic Leadership for School Transformation. “We encourage you to share your expertise, help us recognize excellence, and elevate the people and practices making a difference for students.”
Share expertise, recognize colleagues
Breakout session proposals are being accepted through Oct. 2 from professionals interested in sharing strategies, programs and practices with colleagues from across the county.
Nominations are also open through Oct. 9 for the Orange County K-12 School Counselor of the Year and School Counseling Advocate of the Year. Recipients will be honored during the symposium’s Counselor Award Recognition Ceremony.
The Feb. 9 event will feature keynote speaker Steve Pemberton, a bestselling author, human-centered thought leader and host of “The Pemberton Podcast.”
Early-bird registration is $279 through Dec. 1. General registration is $299, while groups of six or more can register for $259 per person. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, parking and access to symposium sessions and materials.
For more information, including registration details, visit the 2027 Orange County Counselor Symposium webpage.