Working in the School System with Children and Teachers

If you are interested in working with children and adolescents, teachers, and parents to

• 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

then you may be interested in becoming a school psychologist. The kinds of problems that school psychologists try to help children and adolescents resolve include

• discovering reasons for falling behind in school work
• being upset about family events such as divorce and death
• thinking about suicide
• needing help with study skills
• facing a tough decision about college or work
• being unaware of their aptitudes and abilities

School Psychologist: Specialist in Education (Ed.S.)

Who Are School Psychologists?

School psychologists have specialized training in both psychology and education. They use their training and skills to team with educators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. School psychologists understand school systems, effective teaching and successful learning. Today’s children face more challenges than ever before. School psychologists can provide solutions for tomorrow’s problems through thoughtful and positive actions today.

The majority of school psychologists are employed in public and private school systems but they may also work in clinics, hospitals, school-based health centers, various institutions or private practice.

The Ed.S. is a practioner's degree. It qualifies one to work in the public school system anywhere in the United States.

Ed.S. programs are typically 3 years of full time study including a one year internship. School Psychologists are certified by the particular state Department of Education to work in public schools at the masters or Specialists level. A Specialist degree is awarded to graduates who have over 60 graduate hours; the degree reflects the extra course above a masters degree.

The requirements to become a school psychologist are

• a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, including a year-long internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior, and motivation.
• certification and/or licensure by the state in which services are provided. School psychologists may also be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB).

  Resources for identifying programs in school psychology include:

• WKU's program (http://edtech.wku.edu/~psych/areas/school/)
• Identify other programs using the APA's "Guide to Graduate Study in Psychology."

For further information on school psychologists

• click here for a more detailed description of what school psychologists do.
• Visit Division 16 of the American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org/about/division/div16.html).
• or the National Association of School Psychologists (http://www.naspweb.org).

Adapted from: National Association for School Psychologists. (2000). What is a School Psychologist. [Brochure]. Bethesda, MD: Author.

MA in School Counseling

Another option for the person interested in working with children in the schools is an MA in School Counseling. This degree takes 1 and 1/2 years to complete and requires a teaching certificate.

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Created: 10/4/00; Last modified: 11/02/00
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Questions or comments about the graduate programs: contact psych@edtech.cebs.wku.edu
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