School Psychology Jobs & Career Guide 2024
What’s in this guide?
- What is a School Psychologist?
- What does a School Psychologist do?
- What is a School Psychologist Responsible for?
- Where does a School Psychologist work?
- How to become a School Psychologist
- How is the Job Market for School Psychologists?
- How much do School Psychologists earn?
- What Other Career Options are Available to a School Psychologist?
- What Skills and Traits are Necessary to Work as a School Psychologist?
- Is school psychology a stressful job?
What is a School Psychologist?
School Psychologists specialize in the psychology of children, adolescents, and young adults in a school setting. They are skilled at identifying internal and external factors affecting a student’s ability to learn and thrive both in and out of the school setting. School Psychologists are trained in supporting students academically, mentally, and emotionally. This individualized approach helps students form a solid foundation for academic success, positive interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being.
One key component in the field of School Psychology is helping students process problems during critical times in development. These issues can include self-esteem, relationships, bullying, disabilities, LGBTQ concerns, and changes in environment.
A School Psychologist is trained to see the correlation between learning difficulties and mental health; they can diagnose mental health disorders. This is important to ensure proper treatment is implemented for students with diagnosable disorders.
What is a School Psychologist Responsible for?
School Psychologists advocate for the overall well-being of students. They create school policies and design and implement school and community programs to form a supportive network for students. A School Psychologist is tasked with evaluating students for academic, developmental, mental health, and emotional issues. If a learning disability or mental-health issue is identified, they may refer to additional resources for support.
3. Get Licensed and Certified
Requirements for licensure vary by state. Some states require candidates to have a certificate to prove they are Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSPs). This certification comes from the NASP and requires a master’s degree. Most states recognize the NCSP certification because it’s on the national level.
Other states may require the school psychology specialty (SPS) certification from the American Board of School Psychology. To acquire the SPS, candidates require a doctoral degree.
In both certifications, applicants must complete a supervised internship and an examination. Most states require school psychologists to meet the 1,200-hour supervised experience and 60 semester hours.
If your state requires the SPS certification, you must complete the 90 semester hours and at least 1,200 hours of supervised internship.
How is the Job Market for School Psychologists?
The need for School Psychologists is growing. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, just over 10 percent of all public-school students work with a School Psychologist annually; that’s approximately 6.5 million students per year. That need is expected to continue to grow over the next decade, as many School Psychologists reach retirement age and positions become open.
What Other Career Options are Available to a School Psychologist?
For those who choose to work in a setting other than a school, they can utilize their degree in a variety of ways. School psychologists may conduct research or open a private practice working with children, adolescents and young adults in the community.
Other options include:
- Community mental health centers
- Hospitals, residential clinics, and treatment centers
- Justice programs for juveniles
- Colleges or childcare centers focused on early learning education
Latest School Psychology Jobs & Career Guide 2024 Listings
Position | Company | Location | Posted |
---|---|---|---|
School Psychologists | Fairfax County Public Schools | Virginia US | 04/10/2024 |
Up to $3,000 Hire Bonus! Provides the full range of psychological services to schools, comprehensive service sites, and early childhood assessment teams, enabling students to achieve optimal learning; systematically collects, analyzes, synthesizes, and interprets data and information necessary to guide services such as consultation, counseling, behavioral assessment and intervention planning, … More | |||
School Psychologist | Professional Non-teaching/School Psychologist | Tucson, Arizona US | 04/04/2024 |
DEFINITION:Under general supervision, coordinates referral, comprehensive evaluation, and placement process for qualified students. Facilitates communication between school staff, parents, outside agencies, therapists regarding the health and education needs of the special needs students. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:(Essential functions, as defined under the Individual with Disabilities Education Actmay … More | |||
School Psychologist | Pinellas County Schools | Largo, Florida US | 03/27/2024 |
Pinellas County Schools is currently hiring school psychologists for the 2024-2025 school year. Open positions are full-time 10-month (198 days) and 7.5 hours per day. Salary supplements are available for the highest degree earned and for the level of certification including a supplement specifically for your NCSP. A half-hour daily additional duty pay option (8-hour work day) is available to all psychologists. Extended contracts (11.5 month 235 days) … More | |||
School Psychologist/Counselor for Grades 5-9 | New Canaan Country School | New Canaan, Connecticut US | 03/27/2024 |
New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Located in New Canaan,CT, and serving 550 students, our mission is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral, and … More | |||
Visiting Assistant Professor | UMass Boston | Boston, Massachusetts US | 03/27/2024 |
General Summary: The Department of Counseling and School Psychology in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston seeks a Visiting Assistant Professor in Mental Health Counseling beginning September 1, 2022. Position is for one year, with potential for a second year, contingent upon performance and funding. Applicants will contribute to both online and in person M.S. degree programs in Mental Health Counseling. Examples … More | |||
School Psychologist | Undisclosed | Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania US | 03/27/2024 |
The School Psychologist is responsible to conduct psychological, academic, and behavioral assessments in order to diagnose diverse learners, identify their needs, and provide consultation and support as part of a school team of professionals. The School Psychologist assists in the design and implementation of systems, programs, and services that help promote the social, emotional, and academic success of students. Education: Masters Degree Required Licenses … More | |||
Teaching Instructor | Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, Oklahoma US | 03/27/2024 |
Teaching Instructor or Teaching Assistant Professor, Mathematics EducationSchool of Teaching, Learning and Educational SciencesStart Date: August 2024POSITION: The Science and Mathematics Education program, housed in the School of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Sciences (STLES) in the College of Education and Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University is accepting applicants for a Teaching Instructor or Teaching Assistant … More | |||
Lower School Psychologist | Shady Hill School | Cambridge, Massachusetts US | 03/25/2024 |
About Shady Hill School: Since 1915, Shady Hill, a school of approximately 530 students (PreK – 8) and 90+ faculty, has been a leader in progressive education. Shady Hill is a deeply mission-driven school. We seek to develop independent, joyful and curious learners who respect their own accomplishments and those of others. We strive to be a community whose values are strong and whose teachers … More |
Position Up to $3,000 Hire Bonus! Provides the full range of psychological services to schools, comprehensive service sites, and early childhood assessment teams, enabling students to achieve optimal learning; systematically collects, analyzes, synthesizes, and interprets data and information necessary to guide services such as consultation, counseling, behavioral assessment and intervention planning, … More Company Fairfax County Public Schools Location Virginia US Posted 04/10/2024 | |||
Position DEFINITION:Under general supervision, coordinates referral, comprehensive evaluation, and placement process for qualified students. Facilitates communication between school staff, parents, outside agencies, therapists regarding the health and education needs of the special needs students. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:(Essential functions, as defined under the Individual with Disabilities Education Actmay … More Company Professional Non-teaching/School Psychologist Location Tucson, Arizona US Posted 04/04/2024 | |||
Position Pinellas County Schools is currently hiring school psychologists for the 2024-2025 school year. Open positions are full-time 10-month (198 days) and 7.5 hours per day. Salary supplements are available for the highest degree earned and for the level of certification including a supplement specifically for your NCSP. A half-hour daily additional duty pay option (8-hour work day) is available to all psychologists. Extended contracts (11.5 month 235 days) … More Company Pinellas County Schools Location Largo, Florida US Posted 03/27/2024 | |||
Position New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Located in New Canaan,CT, and serving 550 students, our mission is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral, and … More Company New Canaan Country School Location New Canaan, Connecticut US Posted 03/27/2024 | |||
Position General Summary: The Department of Counseling and School Psychology in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston seeks a Visiting Assistant Professor in Mental Health Counseling beginning September 1, 2022. Position is for one year, with potential for a second year, contingent upon performance and funding. Applicants will contribute to both online and in person M.S. degree programs in Mental Health Counseling. Examples … More Company UMass Boston Location Boston, Massachusetts US Posted 03/27/2024 | |||
Position The School Psychologist is responsible to conduct psychological, academic, and behavioral assessments in order to diagnose diverse learners, identify their needs, and provide consultation and support as part of a school team of professionals. The School Psychologist assists in the design and implementation of systems, programs, and services that help promote the social, emotional, and academic success of students. Education: Masters Degree Required Licenses … More Company Undisclosed Location Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania US Posted 03/27/2024 | |||
Position Teaching Instructor or Teaching Assistant Professor, Mathematics EducationSchool of Teaching, Learning and Educational SciencesStart Date: August 2024POSITION: The Science and Mathematics Education program, housed in the School of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Sciences (STLES) in the College of Education and Human Sciences at Oklahoma State University is accepting applicants for a Teaching Instructor or Teaching Assistant … More Company Oklahoma State University Location Stillwater, Oklahoma US Posted 03/27/2024 | |||
Position About Shady Hill School: Since 1915, Shady Hill, a school of approximately 530 students (PreK – 8) and 90+ faculty, has been a leader in progressive education. Shady Hill is a deeply mission-driven school. We seek to develop independent, joyful and curious learners who respect their own accomplishments and those of others. We strive to be a community whose values are strong and whose teachers … More Company Shady Hill School Location Cambridge, Massachusetts US Posted 03/25/2024 |