Careers in School Psychology S. Kathleen Krach, Ph.D., NCSP Florida State University

Definition of School Psychology School Psychologists link mental health to learning and behavior to promote: – High academic achievement – Positive social skills and behavior – Healthy relationships and connectedness – Tolerance and respect for others – Competence, self-esteem, and resiliency

Activities in which School Psychology Professionals Engage Goals of School Psychologists Understand how schools work and how children learn Provide easily accessible, cost-effective mental health services to children Promote positive mental health and a safe and effective learning environment Job Tasks include: Consultation Assessment Intervention Prevention Education Research & Planning

Organizations or Businesses that Employ School Psychology Professionals Public school settings Private practice Private schools Colleges or Universities Hospitals Clinics Institutional/ residential settings

Graduate Training Needed to become a School Psychology Professional Ed.S. degree - minimally, need 2 yrs of coursework plus a 3 rd year of internship. Ph.D. degree – minimally, need 3-4 yrs of coursework, 1 year of dissertation, plus a year- long internship. Psy.D. degree – minimally, need 3-4 years of coursework, a research project, plus a year- long internship. Some states require postdoc internship.

Certifications or Additional Training Needed to become a School Psychology Professional Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) –Graduate from NASP-approved (or equivalent) program –Successfully complete the Praxis for School Psychology Florida Certified School Psychologist –Masters (+ additional coursework) OR –Ed.S. (with required coursework OR –NCSP Florida Licensed School Psychologist –PRAXIS –3 years experience as a school psychologist (with stipulations) Florida Licensed Psychologist –Doctorate from APA-approved (or equivalent) program –EPPP –Postdoctoral internship (APA approved or equivalent)

Employment Opportunities for School Psychology Professionals Bureau of Labor Statistics: – Psychologists jobs up 12% from 2012 to – Ones with the best prospects are specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology. Curtis, Grier, & Hunley (2004) Predictions: – : 4 out of 10 school psychs retire – : 1 out of 2 school psychs retire American Employment in Education – Ranks school psychology as “considerable” and “some” shortage for last 10 years.

Salaries School Psychology Professionals Earn Ed.S. in the schools (60.5% of contracts are for days; 38.1% of contracts for 200 days or more) – 180 day contract$64,188 – 200 day contract$71,320 – 220 day contract$75,452 – Administration$93,258

Salaries School Psychology Professionals Earn School Psychology Doctoral Degree (depends on years in service) Across all settings: $75,000 - $93,600 In the schools average$78,000 Counseling Doctoral Degree (depends on years in service) Across non-school settings $56,600-$85,600 Clinical Doctoral Degree (depends on years in service) Across non-school settings $58,952-$97,521

Flexibility in Working Conditions for School Psychology Professionals Ed.S. = 2 years coursework (average); 1 year of internship Ph.D. / Psy.D. = 3-4 years coursework (average); 1 year of internship Ed.S. School Psych Ph.D. / Psy.D. School Psychology Ph.D. / Psy.D. Child Clinical

Flexibility in Working Conditions for School Psychology Professionals Depending on their degree and license / certificate level, school psychologists can work in almost any setting. In schools, they can work full-time or part-time depending on the needs of the districts. Some smaller districts contract their school psychologists, so the individuals can make their own schedule. In private practice settings, they can make their own schedule. In general, you dress nicer than the teacher, but not as nice as the secretary.

Skills & Experiences Undergrads Should Acquire if Interested in School Psychology Undergraduate Degrees Usually From: – Psychology – Education Also From: – Sociology – Anthropology – Liberal Arts – STEM Characteristics Interested in children and families. Understanding of working with diverse populations. Demonstration of working with children. Advocacy Clear and accurate communication skills.

Skills & Experiences Undergrads Should Acquire if Interested in School Psychology FSU MS / EdS Earned Bachelor's degree Minimum GPA of 3.2 GRE: – Verbal – Quantitative – 3.9 Writing Statement of Purpose Letters of recommendation Resume / CV TOEFL (if applicable) of 550 FSU Combined Ph.D. Earned Bachelor's degree with specific coursework. GPA of 3.7 (general not cut-off) GRE: (general not cut-off) – 153 Verbal – 149 Quantitative Statement of Purpose – Fit – Maturity Letters of recommendation Resume / CV – Relative Experiences TOEFL (if applicable) of 600

Most Rewarding Aspect of being a School Psychology Professional Practical Benefits Job Flexibility Work Environment Compensation Short Work Year (190 days) Opportunities for Advancement Low Burn-Out Low Unemployment Intangible Benefits Independence Changing Children’s Lives Meaningful Work Collaborative Effort Open-minded Colleagues Data-Based Decisions Clear Goals and Aspirations Respect from Others

Biggest Drawback of being a School Psychology Professional Practical Intensive Training Expertise Takes Time Seniority Matters Navigating Systems Intangible Unknown Profession Some Isolation Client Attachment Must be Strong Advocate

Additional Information about being a School Psychology Professional Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale) – Ed.S. (NASP), Doctoral (not-APA) University of Central Florida (Orlando) – Ed.S. (NASP) University of Florida (Gainesville) – Ed.S. (NASP) – Doctoral (APA) University of South Florida (Tampa) – Ed.S. (NASP) – Doctoral (APA) Argosy University (Sarasota): – Ed.S. Barry University (Miami) – Ed.S. (NASP) Florida A&M University (Tallahassee) – Ed.S. (No longer accepting) Florida International University (Miami) – Ed.S. Florida State University (Tallahassee) – Ed.S. (NASP); Ph.D. (APA)

Website Recommendations for students interested in School Psychology National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) NASP List of School Psychology Programs Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP)