All About School Psychologists
Job Description & Duties Investigate processes of learning and teaching and develop psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems.
School Psychologist Responsibilities
- Promote an understanding of child development and its relationship to learning and behavior.
- Provide educational programs on topics such as classroom management, teaching strategies, or parenting skills.
- Refer students and their families to appropriate community agencies for medical, vocational, or social services.
- Counsel children and families to help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.
- Compile and interpret students’ test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.
- Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.
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Skills Needed to be a School Psychologist
When polled, School Psychologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles
- Psychometrist
- Assessment Specialist
- School Psychologist
- Behavioral Analyst
- Consulting Psychologist
Are There Job Opportunities for School Psychologists?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 147,500 jobs in the United States for School Psychologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 21,000 new jobs for School Psychologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 12,100 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for School Psychologist are Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maine, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do School Psychologists Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for School Psychologists ranges between about $44,040 and $129,310 a year.
School Psychologists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do School Psychologists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $69,070 |
| Alaska | $91,450 |
| Arizona | $66,040 |
| Arkansas | $69,000 |
| California | $108,350 |
| Colorado | $85,470 |
| Connecticut | $90,870 |
| Delaware | $78,850 |
| District of Columbia | $95,500 |
| Florida | $76,190 |
| Georgia | $89,190 |
| Hawaii | $94,550 |
| Idaho | $64,270 |
| Illinois | $75,180 |
| Indiana | $73,350 |
| Iowa | $85,260 |
| Kansas | $65,320 |
| Kentucky | $64,330 |
| Louisiana | $86,630 |
| Maine | $75,620 |
| Maryland | $79,820 |
| Massachusetts | $86,490 |
| Michigan | $83,210 |
| Minnesota | $85,860 |
| Mississippi | $67,570 |
| Missouri | $76,480 |
| Montana | $63,720 |
| Nebraska | $66,510 |
| Nevada | $83,760 |
| New Hampshire | $84,270 |
| New Jersey | $98,470 |
| New Mexico | $73,600 |
| New York | $94,140 |
| North Carolina | $77,470 |
| North Dakota | $87,090 |
| Ohio | $75,710 |
| Oklahoma | $60,760 |
| Oregon | $103,870 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,610 |
| Rhode Island | $83,030 |
| South Carolina | $63,050 |
| South Dakota | $73,900 |
| Tennessee | $69,510 |
| Texas | $73,650 |
| Utah | $80,920 |
| Vermont | $77,670 |
| Virginia | $80,380 |
| Washington | $73,840 |
| West Virginia | $59,200 |
| Wisconsin | $83,420 |
| Wyoming | $78,360 |
What Tools & Technology do School Psychologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that School Psychologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Presentation software
- Testing software
- Instructional software
How do I Become a School Psychologist?
What kind of School Psychologist requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a School Psychologist?
Where School Psychologists Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a School Psychologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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