Psychology career?

Question

If i wanted to be a teacher in a school that worked with children with learning disabilities or behavior problems would this be considered being a psychologist?

Would I have to major in psychology or education?

Only answer if your familiar with this topic, thanks.

Answer 1

Either-there are a variety of jobs-

to be a classroom teacher you would major in education

to be a school pychologist-you could get an undergrad in education or pyschology -and than a higher degre is pyschology to be a school pyschologist

Answer 2

Depending on what state your plan to teach in there are different requirements.  In the states of Iowa and Illinois I know there is an endorsement added to the teaching license that states you are qualified for the position.  You can add this endorsement only after completing the EXACT courses they require for the endorsement.  Check with your local university's education department or online on your state's educational licensing department.  They will have the exact graduate classes listed that are required to do anything within the schools.

Answer 3

Great question -and there are multiple answers beginning with "that depends."

Being a teacher in a school where students may have learning disabilities does not mean you must study to be a psychologist, however, you could be a psychologist in the school -or school district- and work directly with students and teachers but not be a teacher.

It seems that, if you are just beginning your college career, you focus on getting your teaching credentials and focus on education -not psychology- so that you can gain some valuable experience in the classroom.

Then, for your Masters degree -and PhD (hopefully)- you begin narrowing your focus to your primary interest, be it learning disabilities in general or a special set of learning disabilities.

Be aware there are graduate programs in Educational Psychology and that is the avenue you may eventually pursue if your interests remain the same.

One of the reasons I suggest getting your teaching credentials behind you and get yourself into the classroom is because the "hands-on" experience is tremendously valuable as your further your studies and concentrate on being a school psychologist and/or enter into a private practice.

If you major in Psychology in undergrad and forego the teaching avenue (getting into the classroom) then you are pretty much relegating yourself to neding a minimum of a Masters degree before you'll get started in the field -and certainly a PhD will be needed if you expect to command more than a liveable wage for all your expertise and schooling.

As such, consider majoring in education first ... get your teaching credentials ... get into the classroom ... get into a Masters program (or combined Masters/PhD program) and begin focusing your attention on your speciality.

Good luck and have fun ... and, oh yeah, great choices!