Become a School PsychologistDiscover the reach of school psychologists Choose a Teaching Specialty | All Education Articles & Resources | Find Education Schools School psychologists work with students, parents and faculty in both elementary and secondary schools to create healthy learning environments and help address the wide range of challenges that schools and students face today. School Psychologist Job Description
Work EnvironmentSchool psychologists can work in a variety of environments. The majority work in public elementary and secondary schools, but others may work in private schools, community agencies, universities, hospitals or clinics. Today, more and more school psychologists are working in the challenging and rewarding field of inner-city and alternative schools, often providing the single most consistent and nurturing voice in many students' lives. Salary and CompensationSchool Psychologists earn all of the perks that other public school employees enjoy, such as excellent medical and dental benefits, pension plans and extensive paid vacation time. However, they make significantly more than most starting teachers. Indeed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, their average yearly salary in 2006 compared favorably in the following list of psychology salary statistics:
School Psychologist Degree and Certification RequirementsMany states require the completion of at least two years of graduate school training or a post-master's degree program, which often includes a year-long internship and emphasizes full preparation for effective child learning psychology:
Many school psychology programs also offer a doctorate degree, which generally requires at least four years of training, field experience and a culminating doctoral dissertation based on original research. National school psychologist certification, which is required in a growing number of states, also requires an internship, which is generally completed toward the end of graduate school. National certification is granted by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB). To obtain employment, school psychologists must be certified by the state in which they work. School Psychology Degrees OnlineOnline school psychology programs are becoming more and more popular as working professionals decide to return to school for the degree and certification requirements they need. In today's technological world, receiving your education online can give you an important leg up with the online experience and confidence you need to succeed. The website AdvanceInPsychology.com reminds us to look for the following qualities in potential online psychology degree programs:
The benefits of school psychology work are far reaching. As a school psychologist, you will have a rare opportunity to speak into the lives of children and teenagers who might not listen to the other adults in their lives. As an advocate for successful learning and socialization, you will get to utilize your influence to benefit your students by affecting school policies and offering teaching ideas. If you care deeply about providing students with the best atmosphere for learning, school psychology may be the rewarding career you've been looking for. School Psychologist HistorySchool psychology dates back all the way to 1896 when Lightner Witmer, "the father of school psychology," opened his clinic at the University of Pennsylvania. Then, as laws were passed during the beginning of the twentieth century, when school psychologists were hired to administer standardized IQ tests to students. It wasn't until 1975 when the Education of All Handicapped Children Act popularized the role as a way to meet mandated public education standards for all students. For more on this, see our history of special education article. |
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