Counselors at Encinitas Union School District and San Dieguito Union High School District schools can be nominated for the 2027 San Diego County School Counselors of the Year award.

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) opened nominations on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The deadline is Monday, Oct. 5. Any educator in the county can submit a nomination.

The program honors three counselors countywide, one each at the elementary, middle and high school levels. SDCOE said it seeks counselors who address students' academic, social-emotional and career development while showing leadership, advocacy and a commitment to educational equity.

To qualify, a counselor must work full time during the 2026-27 school year, have at least five years of K-12 public or charter school counseling experience in San Diego County, hold a master's degree in school counseling or a related field and possess a valid California Pupil Personnel Services credential.

Semifinalist interviews are scheduled for November and December 2026, with finalist site visits in January 2027 and winners announced in February 2027.

Questions can be directed to SDCOE project specialist Lezya Weglarz at [email protected].