Career as a school psychologist?

Question

I would like to know more information about being a school psychologist. I live in Florida and I went to the Florida Association of school psychologist site to see what type of degree is necessary but all it said you need to have a liscense and "the appropriate degree". I'm assuming at least a masters but I saw someone say on Y/A that you need a doctrates. I know it varies by state so I want to know if anyone knows about Florida. Also, if you can tell me more about what they do. I know they asses students for learning disabilites, is there more to it? I would also like to know if there are any other options other than working for a school, like your own practice or something. Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Requirements:  an undergraduate degree plus a minimum of a masters. Most School Psychologists have at least an Ed.S (Education Specialist Degree) which takes longer than a masters. There is a push from universities for all School Psychologists to have a doctorate but often times those with a masters or Ed.S will be hired first for a school system as they are more affordable.

Yes, you can have a private practice or work for a mental health center. Some School Psychologists have a small private practice on the side in addition to their regular school or mental health setting.

Assessment is a big push in School Psych. It is fundamental to have an understanding of the evaluation process. That being said, School Psychologist also are intervention specialists, can be behavioral specialists, serve as Special Education Directors, may do small groups with children and parent training as well. Consultation with parents, teachers and administrators is a high priority so people skills are important. Some develop specialties in preschool, autism spectrum disorders, neuropsychology and can certainly teach at the university level. Development of specialty areas are endless really.

Go to the NASP (national association of school psychologists) website for more specifics.

If applying for a graduate program check to see if the program is accredited by NASP and APA division 16.

FYI School Psychology was listed in the 2007 U.S. News and World Report as a top career choice for the future along with nursing and teaching.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

Hi there- To be a school psychologist, you need at least an Educational Specialists degree that includes an internship.  You don't need a doctorate, and whats more, many schools won't pay you for it.  My district gives $1000 a year.  Considering it would cost me about $20000 to finish, it's not really worth it!

School psychs (SP's) have to be able to do lots of things- understand how to assess for special ed (this means learning the laws, use of appropriate tests and interpretation, conduct observations, response to intervention techniques, etc.)  There are 13 ways a child can qualify for special education, and only one doesn't involve the SP (that's speech).  In reality, it's good for an SP to have counseling skills, because schools may not have anyone else to deescalate children when they demonstrate extreme behaviors (including suicide threats).  Teachers tell me everything- one kid's dad has cancer, one child's mother is in prison, so and so's parents had a particularly nasty divorce hearing, etc.  Sometimes I pull children for individual counseling, it really depends.  I call parents and attempt to make referrals to the community so the child in question can get long term care.  I spend a lot of time doing behavior plans, as well as academic intervention plans.  I try to do one classroom group/semester in each of my buildings (I have 2).  This is only the 2nd year I've done this in my 9 years as a school psych!  I've enjoyed it, but it certainly makes me do more report writing at home.  Which is the most painful part of the job- the paperwork can be overwhelming.  When I was in another district where we were expected to only test, I evaled 179 kids my last year.  I'd have to do marathon writing weekends where I did nothing but.  I'd do about 4-5 each year.  That was frustrating, but if I wanted to write good reports, that's what I had to do.

But I digress.  Schools psychs can be found in schools, hospitals, residental treatment facilities, colleges/univerisities (as teachers and practitioners).  In my first class, we had a text called 'School Psychologists in Nontraditional Roles'.  Try to find that title for more info.