School psychologists understand school systems, effective teaching and successful learning. Today s children face more challenges than ever before. School psychologists can provide solutions for tomorrow s problems through thoughtful and positive actions today. The training requirements to become a school psychologist are a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours including a year-long internship. This training emphasizes preparation in mental health, child development, school organization, learning, behavior and motivation.
School psychologists tailor their services to the particular needs of each child and each situation.
The majority of school psychologists are employed in public and private school systems. The following example situations show you how school psychologists typically approach a problem so you will know what to expect. A Slow Reader Tommy s parents were concerned about his slow reading. They worried he might fall behind and lose confidence. At school the teacher noticed that Tommy understood the work when it was presented orally but he relied on classmates to help him do written work.