School psychologists partner with students, teachers and families
School psychologists play a critical role in educating students, but many people don鈥檛 even know they exist. That鈥檚 why the 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 is highlighting , Nov. 6-10. 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 has a team of incredibly dedicated school psychologists who work on behalf of students all year long.
鈥淪chool psychologists are unique mental health professionals who can provide an array of services and supports to students,鈥 said Natalie Strand, an 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 school psychologist.
They apply expertise in mental health, learning and behavior to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally ().
鈥淭hey assist students, families, educators and members of the community in understanding and resolving social and emotional issues that students may face,鈥 said 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 school psychologist Stacey LaRoche. 鈥淪chool psychologists differ from other mental health professionals in the school district as they tend to focus on the long-term/chronic needs of the students they evaluate and work with.鈥
As they partner with students, teachers, families and others, school psychologists improve students鈥 ability to learn and help teachers teach effectively.
鈥淲ithout school psychologists, we would not be able to identify students to get them the help they need,鈥 said Mondie Childress, an 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 school psychologist for Atherton, Hale and Goodman elementary schools and Ousley Junior High. 鈥淲e are also a great resource and support for teachers and staff working with challenging students and help parents better understand the differences in their children. We are often the ones that people turn to when they have exhausted all strategies and it’s our job to provide answers and an understanding of the child.鈥
It can be a difficult and complex job, and it takes a special expertise. School psychologists are all licensed specialists in school psychology (LSSP) who have completed extensive graduate work and a 1,200-hour supervised internship. They are specifically trained to work with children in the school setting and to understand special education law.
But the license and expertise are not enough. They also possess a deep devotion to students and their success.
鈥淲hen we work hard on evaluating, consulting and providing services, we are able to see the success of the students through a positive collaborative relationship with our campuses,鈥 LaRoche said. 鈥淭he staff on the campus plays a vital role in a student鈥檚 success, and I love being part of that team.鈥
Strand feels the same way.
鈥淚 love working directly with students, parents and teachers and addressing the whole child,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 love having the opportunity to make an impact in a child鈥檚 life and sometimes be a child鈥檚 only advocate and voice. I love when I get to see a student鈥檚 success and progress year to year and know I had a small role in that.鈥
Though Strand called her role 鈥渟mall,鈥 that鈥檚 not really the case. There’s nothing small about it. The role school psychologists play is significant and impactful.
But they could use some help. A national shortage of school psychologists is also affecting 色窝窝无码一区二区三区, with a number of school psychologist positions open in the district.
But Strand is hopeful.
鈥淭he more people know about our field, role and potential, the more we can build capacity and awareness and better address the ever-growing mental health and behavioral needs of our students,鈥 she said.
Thank you to all of the school psychologists working every day to support 色窝窝无码一区二区三区 students!