School Psychologist : Career, Job Outlook & Education

The job position of school psychologists is much suitable for those who have a keen interest in the field of education, but do not wish to teach in a classroom. The career of school psychologists gives candidates an opportunity to work with the youth and make a positive difference in their lives. The job outlook for education psychology professionals or school psychologists is really strong and the career proves to be quite fulfilling, both personally and professionally. Over the past few years, parents have taken a strong stand in terms of provision of special needs for their children. Lawyers threatening to sue school districts in case of non-availability of desired services and the role of media have also played an important role in emboldening parents' stands.

Whether it is the working environment or the job outlook, a school psychologist's career comes along with a lot of respect and job security for candidates. In addition to that, education psychology professionals, going by the school schedule, need to do their work only nine months a year. Therefore, professionals can easily manage the stress and have a rewarding experience working as school psychologists. Basic tasks performed by school psychologists include organizing workshops on parenting, screening kids and counseling teachers. Most of the time school psychology professionals work to make an assessment of students' education and prepare individual education plans for them. On account of what result a particular education plan has and how it can benefit the student, they also convince teachers as well as parents for the same.

Most of the time, teachers at a school find it quite cumbersome to take mix-ability classes and are unable to devote any extra time to students with severe mental and physical disabilities. Besides, teachers are required to abide by the mandates provided by the state and federal government agencies. The job of a school psychologist is to work in close contact with these teachers, counsel them on educational plans for students and persuade them to spend some additional time on students suffering from physical and mental disabilities. School psychologists' career requires professionals to connect well with teachers as well as students' parents. In the initial stage, the progress in terms of devising and implanting special education programs may show slow progress. But with the passage of time and improving connections with parents and teachers, the career happens to bring a much rewarding experience for professionals.

Employment & Job Outlook
School psychologists can land jobs at universities, colleges, high schools, university counseling centers. These professionals usually work in school settings. As more and more people reach the age of retirement, there is an increasing need for recruiting school psychology professionals. Candidates with a doctoral degree in school psychology, counseling psychology or education psychology can expect higher and respectable positions at universities and colleges.

Education & Training in School Psychology
Educational background for the job position of school psychologists may vary a little from state to state. The basic education requirement is a post bachelor specialist degree (Ed.S) in school psychology. A doctoral degree in school psychology can really help candidates provide an extra edge over their counter parts and assist them a lot in their job hunt process. A doctorate degree in school psychology is also necessary to acquire supervisory or other higher positions in academic institutions. Good writing skills and communication skills are a must to make a successful career in education psychology. School psychologists need to be quite well versed with childe development, students behavioral attributes and planning individual education program for students. Candidates with good decision making abilities and excellent people skills can make the most of their career as school psychologists.

School psychologists also need to have a license or certification provided by their state to be able to work. Certificates awarded by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB) and National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) also help immensely in establishing a career as school psychologists.

Salary
Since the job position of school psychologists comes along with a lot of responsibilities, the earnings are also higher in this field. Professionals, with an experience of 6-8 years in the field of education psychology, can earn a median annual salary of around $60,700.