Careers in School Psychology

S. Kathleen Krach, Ph.D., NCSPFlorida State University

Definition of School Psychology

School Psychologists link mental health to learning and behavior to promote:

– High academic achievement

– Positive social skills and behavior

– Healthy relationships and connectedness

– Tolerance and respect for others

– Competence, self-esteem, and resiliency

Activities in which School Psychology Professionals Engage

Goals of School Psychologists

• Understand how schools work and how children learn

• Provide easily accessible, cost-effective mental health services to children

• Promote positive mental health and a safe and effective learning environment

Job Tasks include:

• Consultation

• Assessment

• Intervention

• Prevention

• Education

• Research & Planning

Organizations or Businesses that Employ School Psychology

Professionals

• Public school settings

• Private practice

• Private schools

• Colleges or Universities

• Hospitals

• Clinics

• Institutional/ residential settings

Graduate Training Needed to become a School Psychology Professional

• Ed.S. degree - minimally, need 2 yrs of coursework plus a 3rd year of internship.

• Ph.D. degree – minimally, need 3-4 yrs of coursework, 1 year of dissertation, plus a year-long internship.

• Psy.D. degree – minimally, need 3-4 years of coursework, a research project, plus a year-long internship.

• Some states require postdoc internship.

Certifications or Additional Training Needed to become a School Psychology Professional

Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)– Graduate from NASP-approved (or equivalent) program– Successfully complete the Praxis for School Psychology

Florida Certified School Psychologist– Masters (+ additional coursework) OR– Ed.S. (with required coursework OR– NCSP

Florida Licensed School Psychologist– PRAXIS– 3 years experience as a school psychologist (with

stipulations)Florida Licensed Psychologist

– Doctorate from APA-approved (or equivalent) program– EPPP– Postdoctoral internship (APA approved or equivalent)

Employment Opportunities for School Psychology Professionals

• Bureau of Labor Statistics:– Psychologists jobs up 12% from 2012 to 2022.

– Ones with the best prospects are specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology.

• Curtis, Grier, & Hunley (2004) Predictions:– 2003-2010: 4 out of 10 school psychs retire

– 2003-2010: 1 out of 2 school psychs retire

• American Employment in Education– Ranks school psychology as “considerable” and “some”

shortage for last 10 years.

Salaries School Psychology Professionals Earn

• Ed.S. in the schools (60.5% of contracts are for 170-199 days; 38.1% of contracts for 200 days or more)

– 180 day contract $64,188

– 200 day contract $71,320

– 220 day contract $75,452

– Administration $93,258

Salaries School Psychology Professionals Earn

• School Psychology Doctoral Degree(depends on years in service)

• Across all settings: $75,000 - $93,600• In the schools average $78,000

• Counseling Doctoral Degree(depends on years in service)

• Across non-school settings $56,600-$85,600

• Clinical Doctoral Degree(depends on years in service)

• Across non-school settings $58,952-$97,521

Flexibility in Working Conditions for School Psychology Professionals

Ed.S. = 2 years coursework (average); 1 year of internshipPh.D. / Psy.D. = 3-4 years coursework (average); 1 year of internship

Flexibility in Working Conditions for School Psychology Professionals

Depending on their degree and license / certificate level, school psychologists can work in almost any setting.

In schools, they can work full-time or part-time depending on the needs of the districts.

Some smaller districts contract their school psychologists, so the individuals can make their own schedule.

In private practice settings, they can make their own schedule.

In general, you dress nicer than the teacher, but not as nice as the secretary.

Skills & Experiences Undergrads Should Acquire if Interested in School

PsychologyUndergraduate Degrees• Usually From:

– Psychology– Education

• Also From:– Sociology– Anthropology– Liberal Arts– STEM

Characteristics• Interested in children and

families.• Understanding of working

with diverse populations.• Demonstration of working

with children.• Advocacy• Clear and accurate

communication skills.

Skills & Experiences Undergrads Should Acquire if Interested in School

PsychologyFSU MS / EdS• Earned Bachelor's degree• Minimum GPA of 3.2• GRE:

– 142-162 Verbal– 139-160 Quantitative– 3.9 Writing

• Statement of Purpose• Letters of recommendation• Resume / CV• TOEFL (if applicable) of 550

FSU Combined Ph.D.• Earned Bachelor's degree with

specific coursework.• GPA of 3.7 (general not cut-off)• GRE: (general not cut-off)

– 153 Verbal– 149 Quantitative

• Statement of Purpose– Fit– Maturity

• Letters of recommendation• Resume / CV

– Relative Experiences• TOEFL (if applicable) of 600

Most Rewarding Aspect of being a School Psychology Professional

Practical Benefits• Job Flexibility• Work Environment• Compensation• Short Work Year (190

days)• Opportunities for

Advancement• Low Burn-Out• Low Unemployment

Intangible Benefits• Independence• Changing Children’s Lives• Meaningful Work• Collaborative Effort• Open-minded Colleagues• Data-Based Decisions• Clear Goals and Aspirations• Respect from Others

Biggest Drawback of being a School Psychology Professional

Practical• Intensive Training• Expertise Takes Time• Seniority Matters• Navigating Systems

Intangible• Unknown Profession• Some Isolation• Client Attachment• Must be Strong Advocate

Additional Information about being a School Psychology Professional

• Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale) – Ed.S. (NASP), Doctoral (not-APA)

• University of Central Florida (Orlando) – Ed.S. (NASP)

• University of Florida (Gainesville) – Ed.S. (NASP)– Doctoral (APA)

• University of South Florida (Tampa)– Ed.S. (NASP)– Doctoral (APA)

• Argosy University (Sarasota): – Ed.S.

• Barry University (Miami) – Ed.S. (NASP)

• Florida A&M University (Tallahassee) – Ed.S. (No longer accepting)

• Florida International University (Miami) – Ed.S.

• Florida State University (Tallahassee) – Ed.S. (NASP); Ph.D. (APA)

Website Recommendations for students interested in School

Psychology

• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) www.nasponline.org

• NASP List of School Psychology Programs

http://www.nasponline.org/graduate-education/grad-edu.aspx

• Florida Association of School Psychologists (FASP) www.fasp.org