School Psychologist Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a School Psychologist
In addition to providing formal education, schools also play a role in the emotional health of children and young adults. While teachers and administrators play a critical role in children’s development, many schools employ school psychologists to further promote a healthy, safe learning environment.
Job Description
The goal of school psychologists is to help each student find a path to individual success. They work with individual students, groups of students, parents, school administrators and teachers to create, modify and implement programs that help students succeed.
Often, school psychologists will act as counselors to individual students or groups of students with similar issues. Psychologists may set up programs such as peer counseling and conflict resolution to further their reach in the school community.
One of the most important roles a school psychologist can play is that of mediator and liaison. He or she must identify both individual and systematic problems and then address them. Here are just a few of the many challenges school psychologists help resolve:
- career path selection
- drug abuse
- physical abuse
- program creation.
School psychologists work with all stakeholders to ensure that each student is receiving the best, most supportive education possible.
Salary Guide
The employment outlook for this career is good: many school psychologists are within 10 years of retirement which will leave a void in the workplace.
School psychologist jobs often have the same salary schedule and benefits as other employees at public schools. The average annual school psychologist salary (which is based upon a 190-day school year) ranges from $47,000 to $67,000. Generally a psychologist with a Doctoral degree can command a higher salary, sometimes up to $100,000.
Education and Training
School psychologists must hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in addition to a Bachelor's degree. Most programs finish with a year-long internship.
All school psychology training programs include both academic courses and practical training or applied experiences. Those in school psychology training choose an expertise within the discipline. These emphases may include:
- deaf or blind students
- bilingual education
- emotionally disturbed students
- specific age groups.
School psychologists also help parents, students and teachers address concerns and problems. They need to be good communicators and have the ability to bring groups together and help people resolve conflict.
School psychologist must be both empathetic and accustomed to working with students from varied backgrounds. Some of the issues school psychologists must address on a daily basis include:
- applying to college
- depression and suicide
- family problems including physical abuse
- lack of direction
- low self-esteem
- sexuality
- special needs
- substance abuse
- trouble with academics.
Psychologists must be able to meet these needs head-on, and not shy away from difficult conversations or topics. Additionally, when dealing with minors, school psychologists must be familiar with the law regarding minors, such as how to report a crime.
Prior Work Experience
Although not as necessary as a psychology degree and internship, previous experience as a counselor or social worker would help prepare individuals for school psychologist careers.
Career Advancement
Many psychologists choose to open a private practice or work per diem (as a contractor) for additional personal revenue.
Related Associations and Groups
For more information on school psychologist jobs, you may want to contact:
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- American Psychological Society
- American School Counselor Association
- International School Psychology Association
-
National Association of School Psychologists.