School Psychologists Essay Example

a wide range of behaviors ,skills ,emotions & goals within the schools they serve.

School psychologists offer counseling services directly to students and families as part of an interdisciplinary team. They administer IQ, personality, and achievement tests during the special education eligibility process, communicating the results to parents unfamiliar with psychological assessments. These professionals address emotional and academic challenges faced by students. Typically stationed at individual schools, school psychologists may also serve multiple schools.

To pursue a career in this field, it is essential to have appropriate credentials and educational background. While most states require a master's degree in psychology or counseling as a minimum requirement, Hawaii and Maine mandate a doctorate degree. In Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, individuals with a bachelor's degree can become school psychologists if they complete the necessary internship hours. However, each state has its own specific requirements for school psychologists.

Currently, 18 states enforce national certification for school psychologists which entails completing an internship in school psychology. It is important to verify your state's specific licensing prerequisites before selecting a graduate program in school psychology.

In order to work as a school psychologist, individuals need to acquire certification and/or licensure from their state. The National Association of School Psychologists provides national certification, which entails completing a master's degree program, 30 graduate semester hours, a supervised internship, and passing the National School Psychology Examination. Numerous colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in school psychology where students study human behavior analysis, behavior disorders, ethics, interviewing techniques, testing methods, personality assessment, and childhood/adolescent psychopathology. It is important to mention that school psychology is a relatively new profession.

The National Association of School Psychology

(NASP) was established in 1968 and obtained recognition as a doctoral specialty from the American Psychological Association (APA). In 2002, U.S. News and World Report recognized school psychology as one of the top ten "hot professions". The retirement of seasoned school psychologists has led to an increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field.

The job outlook for psychologists is positive, with opportunities for advancement. Employment in all areas of psychology is projected to grow faster than the average rate for all occupations by 2005. School psychologists are expected to see an increase in demand as more students seek assistance with challenges like family conflicts, crime, substance abuse, and other issues. Those who have earned doctoral degrees can explore positions as administrators within large school systems or districts, as well as state-level education roles. For information on earnings, consult the U.S. Occupational Outlook Handbook.

According to the Department of Labor, the average salary for a psychologist working in an elementary or secondary school is typically $58,360. Reschly and Wilson's (1995) research shows that school psychologists in faculty roles earn an average salary of $57,000. Those with a doctoral degree in school psychology have an average annual salary of $51,000, while those with a master's degree earn approximately $40,000 per year.

Psychologists not only receive salaries but also engage in various activities such as working with individuals, establishing connections, and providing solace. Similar occupations that entail similar responsibilities include clergy members, counselors, human resources professionals,
training and labor relations managers and specialists,
social workers, sociologists,
political scientists as well as special education teachers.