Virtual College Counselors is excited to announce that Sawyer Earwood, one of our co-founders, has formally received his Certified Educational Planner certification. For those interested in learning more or sharing the exciting news, there will be an image, attachment, and text of the announcement included in this blog post.
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Local Professional Earns Prestigious Credential
Sawyer Earwood of Virtual College Counselors in Colorado has become part of a prestigious group of educational consultants and school counselors in the US and abroad to earn the designation of Certified Educational Planner (CEP).
“We are proud to have Sawyer receive this certification,” said Rachel Sobel, Chair of the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP). “This certification sets the standard for professional educational planners in knowledge, experience, and ongoing professional development. There is no higher mark of distinction in the profession,” she noted.
Virtual College Counselors provides stress-free, personalized, and professional one-on-one college guidance with innovative and passionate experts from the comfort of a student’s own home. While college might be the goal, we emphasize the holistic development of a student including academic, professional, and personal growth. At our core, we believe that every student deserves an opportunity for success and happiness. Supporting and advocating for our students requires honesty, transparency, and authentic relationships with students to guide them in cultivating a sense of agency and empowering them on a journey of holistic development. As we work with students, we emphasize six major Growth Goals: Fostering Independence & Cultivating a Sense of Agency, Aligning Personal Values With Academic & Professional Goals, Promoting Critical Thinking & Creativity, Encouraging Self-Reflection, Improving Communication Skills, and Embracing Uncertainty.
The profession of educational consulting is growing in importance and recognition, as the need for post-secondary education and other options increase in today’s society.
Certification is granted to those consultants and counselors who meet rigorous application requirements including specialized training, significant professional experience, and involvement in professional activities and organizations. Sawyer has passed a board certified examination, received professional references, and has pledged to adhere to stringent ethical practices.
CEP's are recertified every five years maintaining a standard of excellence that is determined by college/program/school visits, continuing education hours, and other professional endeavors. All applicants submit to a stringent peer review.
“Certified educational consultants and counselors are remarkable” noted Sobel. “This group of professionals have demonstrated a high level of commitment to ongoing professional learning” she concluded.
The CEP Program began in 1994 under the sponsorship of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), an association representing experienced professionals in the field of college/educational/school/therapeutic program placements. “The CEP designation assures families that they are working with a qualified professional who is committed to maintaining the highest quality of service to their students,” said Mark Sklarow, Executive Director of IECA.
Information on the CEP program is available through the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners, 1538 Adams Street, Denver, CO 80206, www.aicep.org.
With all my support,
Sawyer Earwood, CEP
Independent College Counselor & Certified Educational Planner
Co-Founder of Virtual College Counselors
