I am so proud to be a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultant’s Association. The IECA is a “not-for-profit, international professional Association representing full-time experienced independent educational advisors. Chartered in 1976, the Association’s headquarters is located in the Washington, DC area. IECA sponsors professional training institutes, workshops and conferences, publishes a directory of qualified consultants, offers information to students and their families regarding school selection issues and works to ensure that those in the profession adhere to the highest ethical and business standards.” There are alot of educational consultants out there…but not all of them are members of the IECA.
To achieve professional membership status in the IECA is not easy. For example, to apply for professional membership one must:
1. Have a master’s degree or higher ( an applicant may demonstrate comparable educational training or appropriate professional experience.)
2. Three years of counseling or admissions, with one year in independent counseling.
3. Advised a minimum of 50 students.
4. Depending on the area of specialty, having 50 college visits, Boarding/Day Schools 25 visits; LD Schools/Programs 25 visits; Troubled Teen Programs 25 visits.
5. References from college admission officers, psychologists and/or diagnosticians, client families, and colleagues.
“IECA has developed a strict set of ethical guidelines that govern the actions of consultants in their relationships with students and families, with schools and colleges, and with colleagues. These guidelines include a responsibility to understand each student’s special strengths, values and needs, while striving to include all family members in the educational planning process. An IECA member does not accept any compensation from educational institutions for placement of a child. All IECA members subscribe to these Principles of Good Practice.”
If you need an educational consultant, the IECA can help. Click here to find a professional educational consultant.
