ACT Counselor Summer Webinar Series

This session provides a foundational overview of the ACT test, from its structure to how scores are calculated and used in postsecondary planning. Counselors will learn to interpret score reports with confidence and communicate results effectively to students and families. We will also demonstrate how to integrate ACT resources directly into your advising workflow to better support students.

Attendees will learn to:

• Explain ACT test structure, sections, and scoring in student-friendly terms.
• Use ACT data to guide postsecondary planning.
• Leverage ACT tools to streamline planning and advising conversations.

Presenters:

Mike Bergin is a nationally recognized test prep leader and the founder of Chariot Learning. An ACT Certified Educator, Mike trains teachers across the country in college and career readiness standards. He is the founding president emeritus of the National Test Prep Association, co-host of the Tests and the Rest podcast, and coauthor of the bestseller Crash and Learn.

Dr. Trevor McCray is the program director for ACT’s Center for Impact and Learning, guiding efforts to ensure all learners benefit from the organization’s educational tools and services. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. McCray is a dedicated advocate for student achievement.

Learn practical strategies for bridging the gap between counseling goals and school leadership priorities. This session explores how to communicate program impact, build shared ownership of postsecondary planning, and use data-driven messaging to advocate for student-centered initiatives.

Attendees will learn to:

• Align counseling priorities with school and district goals.
• Effectively communicate the impact of counseling programs to administrators.
• Build stronger, data-supported partnerships that drive student success.

Presenters:

Dr. Tracy L. Jackson is the director of school counseling at Park View High School, coordinating mental health and college readiness services for 1,400 students. Her extensive background includes serving as a central-office-level counseling administrator, a regional manager on the ACT Counselor Outreach team, and as president of the Virginia School Counseling Association. She is a widely published expert and an affiliate professor at Thomas University, recognized with multiple “Counselor of the Year” honors.

Dr. Jason Jefferson is the principal of Park View High School and a transformative leader with more than 20 years of experience in K-12 education. Known for driving significant academic growth, including double-digit gains in math and literacy, he specializes in school turnaround, strategic planning, and educational equity. A 2025 Cambiar Fellow, Dr. Jefferson earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Bowie State University.

Boost your school’s college-going culture by leveraging proven strategies from the American College Application Campaign. This session provides a practical roadmap for planning application events, engaging families, and building schoolwide momentum. Lisa Sommer King will share adaptable best practices and real-world examples to help you streamline the application journey for every student.

Attendees will learn to:

• Implement ACAC strategies to increase application completion rates.
• Plan and execute effective college application events.
• Engage students and families effectively throughout the application process.

Presenter:

Lisa Sommer King has worked for the American College Application Campaign since 2016 as senior communications specialist and was named director in 2020. Prior to joining the Campaign, King served local, state, and national nonprofits and education institutions through her communications consultancy, including the National College Attainment Network. Lisa holds a master’s degree in strategic communication from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s from Central Michigan University.

Bridge the gap for students navigating the complexities of testing and postsecondary planning. This session identifies common barriers and provides practical strategies to build student confidence and engagement. Learn how to deliver clear guidance and create supportive advising experiences that keep underserved students on track toward their goals.

Attendees will learn to:

• Guide first-generation students through critical planning milestones.
• Overcome common barriers to build student confidence and awareness.
• Strengthen advising conversations to drive deeper student engagement.

Presenters:

Dr. Melanie Moore is a transformative leader and award-winning principal currently leading Eleanor McMain Secondary School. Under her leadership, McMain has experienced remarkable growth, including a 14.5-point growth in just one year, the distinction of being the top-performing school for mastery growth in NOLA Public Schools, and a 100% college acceptance rate for the graduating class. The school has grown from a C-level rating to an A-level rating in just two years. A multi-time “Principal of the Year,” Dr. Moore holds a doctorate in executive leadership from The University of Holy Cross and is dedicated to driving significant academic growth and equity for all students.

The Hon. Rev. Dr. Heidi Irene Lovett is a lifelong public servant and humanitarian with a distinguished career in educational leadership. The youngest elected member of the Orleans Parish School Board, she authored the academic recovery plan adopted by the Louisiana Department of Education following Hurricane Katrina. A dedicated advocate for student access, Dr. Lovett has established and funded numerous scholarships and served as a NASA Faculty Fellow. She is a recipient of the UNCF Young Alumnus of the Year Award and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award.