Psychologists

Who We Are

School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of the school team that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.

What Do School Psychologists Do?

School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services.

Improve Academic Achievement & Support Diverse Learners

• Promote student motivation and engagement
• Develop and implement Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Monitor student progress and collect and interpret student and classroom data
• Conduct psychological and academic assessments
• Plan appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities
• Provide culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds

Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health

• Assess student emotional and behavioral needs
• Provide individual and group counseling
• Teach problem-solving, social skills, and organization skills
• Reinforce positive peer relationships, coping skills and resilience

Create a Safe, Positive School Climate

• Promote positive social interactions and support social-emotional learning
• Implement and promote positive discipline and restorative justice
• Implement school-wide positive behavioral supports
• Identify at-risk students and school vulnerabilities
• Provide crisis prevention and intervention services

Strengthen Family-School Partnerships

• Help families understand their child's learning and mental health needs
• Assist in navigating special education processes
• Help effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff
• Enhance staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds

Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability

• Assist in planning services at the district, building, classroom, and individual level
• Generate and interpret student and school outcome data

Content gathered from National Association of School Psychologists