"School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community."
We often don't see them around the school building...maybe because they're itinerant. Maybe because they're in their office, buried underneath testing protocols. Maybe because they're calming the irate kid down outside who refuses to come back in the school. But, no matter what, he/she is there!
I knew School Psychology was for me when I wanted to marry my love for data and numbers with education. I've always believed fondly in the promise of a good education for all children, and I didn't know how to advocate for that need. I wish every child can be the best version of himself/herself, but I wanted more influence (and flexibility) than a classroom teacher has. I VALUE teachers so much, but I just knew it wasn't for me. But, working in close proximity to them is amazing!
The path to become a school psychologist for me wasn't easy - in the midst of grad school, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. A few years after that, a recession hit...and a bad economy took away the job I had just worked so hard for. But, luckily, I've found my way back to my passion and am extremely proud to work in this field. Being a black, woman of color in this field (pretty much a unicorn!) fuels me to support the children who don't always see diversity and representations of themselves within the school setting. I hope that my new role, as the South Piedmont Regional Representative for the North Carolina School Psychology Association (NCSPA) further promotes the need for diverse mindsets, training and passion for children.
For more information about School Psychology, visit the website www.nasponline.org.
We often don't see them around the school building...maybe because they're itinerant. Maybe because they're in their office, buried underneath testing protocols. Maybe because they're calming the irate kid down outside who refuses to come back in the school. But, no matter what, he/she is there!
I knew School Psychology was for me when I wanted to marry my love for data and numbers with education. I've always believed fondly in the promise of a good education for all children, and I didn't know how to advocate for that need. I wish every child can be the best version of himself/herself, but I wanted more influence (and flexibility) than a classroom teacher has. I VALUE teachers so much, but I just knew it wasn't for me. But, working in close proximity to them is amazing!
The path to become a school psychologist for me wasn't easy - in the midst of grad school, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. A few years after that, a recession hit...and a bad economy took away the job I had just worked so hard for. But, luckily, I've found my way back to my passion and am extremely proud to work in this field. Being a black, woman of color in this field (pretty much a unicorn!) fuels me to support the children who don't always see diversity and representations of themselves within the school setting. I hope that my new role, as the South Piedmont Regional Representative for the North Carolina School Psychology Association (NCSPA) further promotes the need for diverse mindsets, training and passion for children.
For more information about School Psychology, visit the website www.nasponline.org.