The New Mexico School Counselor Association (NMSCA) is excited to welcome school counselors and education professionals from across New Mexico to our 2026 Annual Conference!
Monday, October 19, 2026 | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
UNM Continuing Education
Theme: All In for Each and Every Student
Join us for a full day of learning, inspiration, connection, and laughter as we come together to celebrate the important work of school counselors and explore ways we can be All In for Each and Every Student.
Opening Keynote — John Burnett, Counseling with Mr. B
We are excited to welcome viral sensation John Burnett, better known as Counseling with Mr. B, as our opening keynote speaker!
John has been an educator in public schools for 16 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis, Master’s in School Counseling from Cambridge College, and Ed.S. in Administration from Freed-Hardeman University. Throughout his career, John has served as an elementary and middle school counselor, Spanish teacher, and assistant principal. He currently serves as the Manager of Elementary Student Culture in Houston, Texas.
John was a 2022 LSSSCA School Counselor of the Year semifinalist and has been featured on NBC’s Today. He is also a content creator on YouTube and founder of CounselingwithMrB LLC, through which he provides engaging and culturally relevant resources, professional development, and training to educators around the globe.
Opening Keynote: All In for Each and Every Student
In a profession where the needs are great and the demands can feel endless, being “All In” for each and every student starts with believing in the impact we have.
This inspiring keynote invites school counselors to reconnect with their purpose and reignite their passion as they navigate the realities of the profession. Through reflection, encouragement, and practical inspiration, counselors will be reminded that their presence matters, their work has purpose, and being “All In” means showing up for each and every student, every day.
15 Breakout Sessions — Something for Everyone!
This year’s conference will feature three breakout session blocks with 15 total session options, giving attendees the opportunity to customize their conference experience and choose sessions that best meet their professional needs and interests.
Breakout topics will include, but are not limited to:
- College and Career development
- National Board Certification (NBCT)
- ASCA National Model
- Therapy dogs
- Grief
- School counselor advocacy
- Burnout and counselor wellness
- Free and almost-free interventions
- CharacterStrong
- ROX
- Dual credit
- And more!
Whether you are looking for practical interventions you can use tomorrow, professional growth opportunities, new programs and resources, or ways to strengthen your comprehensive school counseling program, there will be something for you.
Closing Keynote — Steven Michael Quezada
We’re ending the conference with a very special New Mexico guest!
Steven Michael Quezada, Breaking Bad star, comedian, and New Mexico native, will serve as our closing keynote speaker. Get ready to end an inspiring day together with plenty of New Mexico spirit and laughter!
Exhibitors & Networking
Attendees will have opportunities throughout the day to visit with many exhibitors, discover resources and services that support students and school counseling programs, and connect with fellow school counselors and education partners from across the state.
Breakfast & Lunch Included
Come ready to learn and connect—we’ll take care of the meals! Breakfast and lunch are included with conference registration.
Hotel Information
Our partner hotel is located next door to UNM Continuing Education, Home2 Suites by Hilton, providing a convenient option for attendees traveling to Albuquerque. Hotel reservation linked [HERE].
Purchase Orders
Planning to pay by purchase order (PO)? Please contact NMSCA prior to registering for the conference. This will help ensure your purchase order and registration are processed correctly.
For purchase order assistance, please contact katie.doss@nmschoolcounselor.org or nmsca@nmschoolcounselor.org before completing your registration.
Questions & Conference Assistance
Have questions about the conference, registration, or other conference details? Please contact Katie Doss at katie.doss@nmschoolcounselor.org for assistance.
Conference Materials
Conference Program
Electronic copies of available conference and training materials will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop or tablet to access digital resources and fully participate in sessions. CEU's included.
Mark your calendar for Monday, October 19, 2026, and join NMSCA for an unforgettable day of professional learning, connection, inspiration, and fun.
Together, we are All In for Each and Every Student!
