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School Psychologist Job Description

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 face today. School psychologists provide many critical services:

  • Addressing learning issues, behavioral problems and substance abuse situations.
  • Providing student and family counseling in areas that affect school performance.
  • Assessing gifted students or students with learning disabilities to decide how to best maximize their learning potential.
  • Identifying ways to improve teaching, learning and socialization.

School psychologists can work in a variety of environments. The majority work in public schools, but others may work in private schools, community agencies, hospitals or clinics, and universities.

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School Psychologist Credential and Certification Requirements

Many states require the completion of at least two-to-three years of graduate school training or a post-master's degree program, which often includes a year-long internship and emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning styles and processes, behavior, motivation, and effective teaching. Many school psychology programs also offer a doctorate degree, which generally requires at least four years of training and field experience.

National school psychologist certification, which is now required in 18 states, also requires an internship, which is generally completed in the third or fourth year of graduate school. National certification is granted by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB). To obtain employment, school psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work.


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