What is the job of a school psychologist like?

I've been considering a career as a school psychologist and am curious about what the day-to-day responsibilities are. What kinds of tasks do they handle, and what skills are most important for this role?

A school psychologist plays several key roles. They evaluate a student's learning, behavior, and developmental situation to determine if extra supports are necessary. They also provide interventions, which might involve creating a learning plan for a student with special needs or counseling a student who's struggling emotionally.

Starting with evaluation, school psychologists use a variety of psychoeducational assessment methods, including observations, interviews, and standardized testing to understand where a student is facing difficulties, whether they're behavioral, academic or socioemotional.

Once a need has been determined, the school psychologist becomes involved in intervention efforts. They may work with teachers and other school staff to develop an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) for students who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. They may also provide counseling services for students dealing with personal or social issues.

School psychologists also play a significant role in fostering a supportive, safe, and healthy school environment. This can involve school-wide assessments for risk factors, crisis intervention and recovery, and even school staff professional development.

As far as skills go, school psychologists need strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with students, families, and staff. Problem-solving abilities are also critical as they develop strategies to help students succeed. Clinical skills are essential for school psychologists as well given that they'll be conducting assessments, providing counseling services, and implementing psychological interventions. Lastly, school psychologists need a strong understanding of education systems and policies to ensure they adhere to legal guidelines and support students' rights.

Remember, these roles can vary significantly between districts, and even between schools within the same district, based on the needs of the individual student population. Also note that school psychologists typically hold a minimum of a specialist-level degree, like an Ed.S., in school psychology, and are often licensed or certified by the state.