A Calling to Serve
The training and resources you need.
Do you feel called to serve?
Our school chaplaincy program opens doors for you to impact the lives of students, teachers, and families. Become a provider of vital spiritual care with the NSCA’s training and certification program.
School chaplains make crucial contributions in at least four ways:
-
Chaplains have the privileged opportunity to observe student behavior more holistically than teachers, counselors, or law enforcement. Conversations with chaplains are private, therefore students are more straightforward and sincere, not having to worry about what goes on their transcript. If something raises a flag, certified chaplains know the proper procedure to advise authorities. Chaplains have proven to help teachers and students avoid PTSD after traumatic experiences, which is why chaplains have been rushed to schools after shootings, suicides, or national disasters. Chaplaincy has also proven to dissipate tension, resolve conflict and bring hope, making schools safer for the children they serve.
-
“Know thyself” is one of human history's most well-known and often-repeated statements. From Socrates and Plato, the phrase has promoted personal discovery and acceptance of distinctive identities. In education, chaplains help learners explore who they are and embrace who they might hope to become. By nourishing their inner self, chaplains allow students to focus on the spirit within while also exploring the world around them.
-
“Agency of presence” is to be present. It is not merely about sharing the same physical space but a sustained commitment to shared experience. A chaplain’s presence, especially in times of crisis, fosters resilience and spiritual growth. Chaplains serve as a living reminder that humans are relational beings. Presence implies mentorship. Being present hold tremendous power and possibility. It is precious.
-
“Who am I?” Amid significant and turbulent times, chaplains seek to link identity with the community to offer a greater understanding of purpose (“Why am I?”). Rather than merely preparing students for a post-commencement occupation, chaplains help to nourish a lifelong discernment of vocation. Chaplains build a sense of shared responsibility that embraces opportunity and encompasses a life of service to our common good. By allowing learners to examine within, around, and beyond themselves, chaplains empower students to claim their destinies.
Chaplains certified by the National School Chaplain Association serve people of diverse religious, spiritual, moral, and ethical backgrounds. Readied with specialized training, our chaplains build community by inviting students into the fullness of life. School chaplain duties include but are not limited to prayer, counsel, and spiritual care for the school staff, the students, and their families.
In addition, they provide guidance and help build resilient young people. Gender confusion, lack of purpose, and hopelessness have resulted in record-level dropout rates and an epidemic of suicide among young people. In a historical era of conflict, discord, and loneliness - the role of chaplain has never been more critical.
We invite you to unlock your potential to make a profound impact on the lives of students as a certified school chaplain.
With the National School Chaplain Association, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to provide much-needed emotional support, guidance, and compassion to young minds during their formative years.
Your NSCA Certification
Included in your
University Training
We are proud to collaborate with Oral Roberts University, a nationally accredited university. Once rigorous background checks, including forensic social media review, are completed, chaplain candidates with a minimum of a two-year degree and 2,000 hours of experience may qualify to enroll in our self-paced online course for convenient learning, which may be completed in as little as eight weeks. In addition, The National School Chaplain Association provides exclusive continuing education and training for certified school chaplains through our NSCA Academy.
Safety Training
School chaplains are considered essential personnel on campus and therefore must undergo safety training comprised of three certifications: Active Shooter, Threat Assessment, and Stop the Bleed*.
