School Psychology

Professionals trained in school psychology work in elementary and secondary schools or school district offices to resolve students' learning and behavior problems. School psychologists are trained in both education and psychology. They work closely with students, parents, teachers and school administrators to pinpoint the sources of students' academic, social or behavioral difficulties, using techniques such as therapeutic intervention, consultation, psychology, and child and adolescent psychopathology. Their goal is to ensure that students have the chance to learn in a safe and supportive environment.

School psychologists perform the following duties:

• Meet with parents and teachers to discuss learning, behavioral, familial and social problems
• Research innovative learning programs and help to implement them
• Study new behavioral management techniques and disseminate them to faculty, staff and parents
• Counsel parents on topics like combating student substance abuse, learning/study strategies and communication/parenting techniques
• Connect students and families with counseling services
• Evaluate and advise school disciplinary practices for students with problems
• Participate in the special education process by administering a variety of achievement and psychological tests
• Serve one or more schools in these various capacities

Work Environment

Those choosing to become a school psychologist work in public and private school systems. However, these professionals may be employed in a wide variety of work settings, including school-based health centers, hospitals and clinics, universities, community and state programs, and private practices.

Training and Education

One great way to gain exposure to school psychology is by volunteering at a day care center, preschool, summer camp, after-school program or recreation center.

Most states require that candidates hold a specialist degree or master's degree in school psychology, psychology or counseling. A specialist degree (EdS) in school psychology is earned through roughly three years of graduate study in education and psychology (at least 60 semester hours), followed by a one-year internship.

To prepare for a rigorous two-year master's in education or master's in psychology program, students often earn their undergraduate bachelor's degree in psychology or education while taking plenty of English and communications classes.

Students can continue their education by earning a doctoral degree in school psychology, education or special education. These programs generally last three to five years, and command higher salaries and more competitive careers. The American Psychology Association (APA) provides a list of accredited school psychology programs.

Every state requires that professionals in this field be certified and/or licensed to practice school psychology. The National Association of School Psychologists offers national certification, which consists of completion of a master's program (60 semester hours), a supervised 1200-hour internship, and passing the National School Psychology Examination. Candidates should check with www.apapractice.org for a state-by-state breakdown of specific credentialing criteria.