School psychology as a career - pros and cons - please advise

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice or insight on the field of school psychology. I was interviewed for graduate school psychology program but I would like to get some "real world" advice into the actual work of the job. Is this a good career? What kind of stress levels do you experience? If you had to do it over, would you pick another career?

I was told that the field of school psychology is changing, and not as much assessments were being done, if anyone could shed some light on this matter and share your own experiences, it would help me immensely on making a decision about the program. Is this change affecting the job outlook of school psychologists?

Thanks in advance

Hi John,

Thanks, I was wondering if you had an email so I could ask you some specific questions or if you can reply on here? This will be a big and crucial decision for me so I appreciate your honesty. Its strange to me how about 2-3 years ago this seemed like such a great profession but things are changing within the field of education and assessments. Glad to know there is another male who can offer some honest insight. I have been coaching and teaching for the last several years and I've found that the politics and working with mostly women has been exhausting. I always look to get insight from someone actually working in the field before making a decision. Many thanks man I hope to hear more about what you face everyday and get some real perspective.

John in San Francisco, California said: Extreme stress!!!
Hard to find jobs, crazy parents...
Non stop writing reports most nights during the week. Work on weekends... Non stop work, meetings, politics, complains about you.. pressure from everywhere.
Extreme stress! Non stop report writing, study of new test, study of new material, no life, no time for family or anybody in your life. Not worth it unless you have no choice.
Stay away!!!!!

Hi John,

Can I please get your email also, Im really interested in learning more about your experience. Mine is mzzlincoln@aol.com. Thanks.

I think it is very unfair to say such things about the field of school psychology. Yes, it is a high-stress job and yes, you do a lot of report writing but it is not that difficult to find a job and there are a lot of positives in the field. FOr example, I truly enjoy the assessment and interpretation piece of this field. The amount of information you can get from giving a child the right battery never ceases to amaze me. Yes, you are criticized and blamed by parents. The reasoning however, is almost never directly linked to you but rather you become an outlet for parents and teachers. While there is a lot of paper-work and testing involved in school psychology, it is still very much a mental health profession and I think it is important to keep that in mind when entering the field. In addition, the title of school psycholigst means very different things from one state to another. It is important to research the responsibilities of the state(s) you are interested in. In some cases, school psychology involves a big counseling component, while in others it is more of a central office kind of job. Problem solving and RtI (Response to Intervention) are also becoming key components of the field as school districts nation-wide will be required to use this model in 2012.

Bottom line: if you want to reach children early on and help them access a public education, the school psychology is the way to do it. You will work closely with teachers and parents sometimes more than with the actual students but this all depends on your district and state. Good Luck!

Learning Something,

I'll just give you my information on what I've learned here in the Southeast about the profession. I'm sure things are very different in California and I hope you draw your on conclusions.

Before interviewing for graduate school in school psychology, I asked around 15 different school psychologists in my area for advice and information about the profession. Nearly 100% of these respondents did not give any positive incentive about entering the field. There seems to be this huge shift in the field of school psychology as to how things are supposed to be done and conducted, and assessments for placement of students is being done away with. From what I understand from this shift, there is not much need for individual assessments to be performed with students so the state of a school psychologist is very uncertain.

Also my experience in working in the schools has been one of utter chaos, disorganization, unprofessionalism, etc.. Just giving my take on things and if you have any further questions please post as I know what its like to struggle with career decisions.

I agree. I believe this is a dead-end field as of now from what I've gathered. If our school systems can ever get a clear goal or objective, then things may improve. From my experience that will never happen though.

Denise in Los Angeles, California said: Don't do it. The market is horrible right now.

I agree. I have spent 5 months applying for jobs and it is extremely difficult right now to get a job. Do not recommend it. For one position anywhere, the districts state they are receiving up to 200 applications for one position-some are part time so they are very picky about who they hire

Jmatthews31 could I get your email address I would like talk about school psychology a bit more in depth.

jimbo in Troy, Michigan said: Jmatthews31 could I get your email address I would like talk about school psychology a bit more in depth.

Hey Jimbo, if you have yahoo messenger, add me my name is: jblood_38683. Send me an IM and I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Hello, I'm also struggling with the decision to attend a grad program. If anyone could help shed some light on the caseload size and daily job duties would love REAL opinions. I've been working in mental health and social work/case managing at the B.A. level for two yrs. now. Also, how long respondents have been in the field.

The job market for school psychology in Southern California has been nearly impossible to crack for an entry-level position straight out of graduate school. It's even more difficult if you have NO prior job experience as a teacher. I recently completed my school psychology graduate studies. After two years of continuous job hunting and ongoing volunteer work, I gave up. Ultimately, I returned to my first profession. Even while earning income on a part-time basis while in grad school, I modestly estimate well beyond a $300K loss on combined earning potential and a loss of savings, factoring in the five years of unearned full-time income, no 401K plan contributions, a mutual fund loss in the market that was to pay for my living expenses, tuition, gasoline to commute to the university, and school loan interest. Expenses also included rent, food, books, and the 1-year unpaid internship. I now juggle a 50-hour work week for multiple employers using the skills from my original, primary profession. I make accelerated payments on this mountainous school loan. It will take years to recover from this.

School Psychologist in San Bernardino, California said: The job market for school psychology in Southern California has been nearly impossible to crack for an entry-level position straight out of graduate school. It's even more difficult if you have NO prior job experience as a teacher. I recently completed my school psychology graduate studies. After two years of continuous job hunting and ongoing volunteer work, I gave up. Ultimately, I returned to my first profession. Even while earning income on a part-time basis while in grad school, I modestly estimate well beyond a $300K loss on combined earning potential and a loss of savings, factoring in the five years of unearned full-time income, no 401K plan contributions, a mutual fund loss in the market that was to pay for my living expenses, tuition, gasoline to commute to the university, and school loan interest. Expenses also included rent, food, books, and the 1-year unpaid internship. I now juggle a 50-hour work week for multiple employers using the skills from my original, primary profession. I make accelerated payments on this mountainous school loan. It will take years to recover from this.

Reading your comment makes me really glad I didn't decide to pursue school psychology. I am in the southeast and the job opportunities seem to be just as bad. Not worth it all when you consider alot of 4 year college degree professions make twice as much right out of the gate. It is my firm belief that any job that has its standards held by the state is a bad option. Sorry to hear about your losses and hope you turn things around. Your not alone.

omg, i feel so happy that i came onto this site. im in my 2nd year of a school psych program, and I HATE IT. i dont hate the curriculum as much as i hate doing my fieldwork. its nON STOP stress from parents, teachers, IEP meetings, and wait, i wont have a job after i graduate? WOW.

to the school psychs out there, should i stick it out until 2012? or should i switch to an OT program (which i wanted to do before i entered school psych)

ALL ADVICE APPRECIATED!

hi, can i get some advice from you?

im doing my fieldwork now, and im feeling really disillusioned by this job. i want to jump ship and go into OT. do you recommend that? thank goodness i found some solace in this forum. haha

School Psych in Pasadena-

I left my program in the second semester because I saw all this coming and realized that what I thought I would be doing as a school psych was all wrong. I did not agree with a lot of what we were learning and found it hard to imagine I would be really helping the kids. Come to find out it all was very bureaucratic and you are at the interest of the school (principal, teacher), etc. Also, I knew I really wanted to work at the college level not the schools. If you are in your second year I don't know if you want to waste so much time and money (unless you were lucky to go to a funded program)and leave at this time. What helped me was that I knew what I really wanted to do so I had to make a decision, is there a way this degree would help me get there? If so, maybe you can try not continuing for your specialist if you won't need it. If what you want to do requires you to go back to school (like OT) I would go right to it (i withdrew during my second semester, some may frown upon this and say wait to the end.) The key is knowing what you want to do. If you don't, it can be more frustrating but you still should consider at least not going for your specialist. Also, Im not sure if there are any school psych M.Ed courses that would transfer into an OT program. If it did, I would suggest you stick through and at least finish the masters. You would not need to do your specialist internship for certification (which is often a year of unpaid labor anyway).

All in all, make sure you are following your passion (and that it pays also) : ) My best wishes to you.

Honestly, after reading the posts in this thread, I find myself scratching my head. I'm a school psych. who trained in Pennsylvania, and practices in a district in Maryland. I'm home for the holidays, hence the "Titusville, P.A." tag. Everything i'm reading sounds like nothing i've experienced as a school psych. Do you have tons of writing? Absolutely. If you are a school psych and are suprised by that, i'm guessing you didn't pay attention in your training or didn't ask around prior to pursuing the credential. But what really boggles my mind is all the comments about no jobs. My entire cohort had jobs prior to even graduating. I noticed that the majority of comments seemed to be coming from the California / Southern California area. Sounds to me like you need to consider relocating. I personally know of well paying districts that can't find people, so they end up using interns every year to extend their services. But the moral of the story is this. The days of "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." are over. Schools are fast paced, high stress places. If you're someone looking for a laid back job where you do a couple evals, drink some coffee and pull in $70,000, your looking in the wrong place. If you're someone who needs a fast pace, constant mental stimulation, who likes math, writing, education, and psychology, there is no better job.

U are right about the job skills and work. It may be that in the California area all educational jobs including teaching have experienced great budget cuts. I have placed approximately 85 applications for a school psychologist and nobody in my cohort has been able to find a job. It is not just me. We are looking elsewhere. Times are not as easy today in being able to find work as it was 3-5 years ago or longer when there was money spend and a need for school psychologists.

I'm also a school psychologist and don't really understand the negative outlook. The job of a school psychologist does differ depending on where you work. In CT, I am full-time in a high school with another full-time school psychologist (750 students) and do mostly counseling with about a third of my time doing evaluations. I went to Ohio State and applied in OH first and received three offers before moving to CT. When I moved here without a job, I was offered four positions. This was only a year ago. There are states where I wouldn't want to work in where all you do is evaluations and report writing. Generally, the Northeast has the best ratios and the job market here is still strong.

I agree with so many School Psychologists in “Southern California”---- the job market is terrible!! Personally, I have spent almost a YEAR applying for jobs and it is very difficult to pass the screening process, let alone get a job.
I agree with Maggie from upland, For one position anywhere in CA most of the districts are receiving up to 200 or MORE application.... This only makes the district become even more picky about who they will hire, making it extremely difficult for recent graduates who barely have one or two year experience….. in fact, being trilingual it’s not a plus anymore :-( I am very disillusion !! Bottom line: I do not recommend it!

Hi I'm in Colorado and am wondering what average pay for schools psychologists is around the country... California sounds like bad news...

I am a school psychologist in Connecticut. I have been working in city schools for 10 years, prior to that a classroom teacher for 20 years. I LOVE my job!! Feel free to email me.

Mike in Titusville, Pennsylvania said: Honestly, after reading the posts in this thread, I find myself scratching my head. I'm a school psych. who trained in Pennsylvania, and practices in a district in Maryland. I'm home for the holidays, hence the "Titusville, P.A." tag. Everything i'm reading sounds like nothing i've experienced as a school psych. Do you have tons of writing? Absolutely. If you are a school psych and are suprised by that, i'm guessing you didn't pay attention in your training or didn't ask around prior to pursuing the credential. But what really boggles my mind is all the comments about no jobs. My entire cohort had jobs prior to even graduating. I noticed that the majority of comments seemed to be coming from the California / Southern California area. Sounds to me like you need to consider relocating. I personally know of well paying districts that can't find people, so they end up using interns every year to extend their services. But the moral of the story is this. The days of "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." are over. Schools are fast paced, high stress places. If you're someone looking for a laid back job where you do a couple evals, drink some coffee and pull in $70,000, your looking in the wrong place. If you're someone who needs a fast pace, constant mental stimulation, who likes math, writing, education, and psychology, there is no better job.

I couldn't agree more! Kudos to you for summarizing so accurately.

What most people need to realize is that education everywhere is suffering right now. A sad but true reality. However to base your decision on one geographic area of the country does not make much sense. I have been a School Psychologist in North Carolina for 3 years now. While some of the comments are definitely true in the sense SPs are not always the "hero", I believe the district you are working for and the amount of support you recieve can make or break a job. ANYWHERE. ANY JOB. PERIOD. You cannot generalize this position, a lesson I learned quickly. Even on a day to day basis I am never doing the same thing. One reason I love the job. Are there extremely stressful days? Of course, if you are looking for a job with a "no stress required" label...keep looking. If you are looking to consult, collaborate, and build extremely strong interpersonal skills...apply within. After all, "It takes a village".

What most people need to realize is that education everywhere is suffering right now. A sad but true reality. However to base your decision on one geographic area of the country does not make much sense. I have been a School Psychologist in North Carolina for 3 years now. While some of the comments are definitely true in the sense SPs are not always the "hero", I believe the district you are working for and the amount of support you recieve can make or break a job. ANYWHERE. ANY JOB. PERIOD. You cannot generalize this position, a lesson I learned quickly. Even on a day to day basis I am never doing the same thing. One reason I love the job. Are there extremely stressful days? Of course, if you are looking for a job with a "no stress required" label...keep looking. If you are looking to consult, collaborate, and build extremely strong interpersonal skills...apply within. After all, "It takes a village".

v in Hamden, Connecticut said: I am a school psychologist in Connecticut. I have been working in city schools for 10 years, prior to that a classroom teacher for 20 years. I LOVE my job!! Feel free to email me.

I was a classroom teacher and am considering pursuing a phd in school psychology and i also live in CT- i would love to talk to you to get some more information about the field. would you be willing to email me? my email is sara@precipios.com. Thank you!

Does school psychology seem like a better position than a school teacher in this economic climate?

no It is not any better than getting a teacher position because there are far many more teachers than school psychologists.

At this time I would save my money and wait to see if times change with education. It is a lot of money spent for no guarantee of even an interview in the future. I would keep my seniority where I can and make the most of a present career or my own business.

i don't understand that answer

do you mean both are a bad idea?

I am a 2nd year student searching for internships on the east coast. I really don't understand why everyone is fussing about jobs. They tell you going in you'll find a job if you don't mind re-locating. I am originally from DE (the second smallest state in the US) and I know from internship hunting that DE ALONE has 7-10 job openings. Sure districts are receiving a TON of applicants, positions don't regularly open unless someone dies, retires, or gets fired. This is a high stress position as I've seen from practicum but look at the pros (10 month contract, almost all school holidays, state benefits, etc). I think it is paramount that aspiring SP's get some kind of field experience in prior to graduating. I have been working in mental health in every/any setting I can squeeze into. Schools value teaching experience, mental health experience, and anything that involves RTII whether it be behavioral or academic. I'm truly excited about this field! Anyone taking an intern in PA, DE, or MD?

Glad to see the thread I started has developed into a good discussion. I couldn't find any information at all about the profession on here until this thread started gaining steam. Many thanks to everyone that has taken the time to offer insight, both good and bad.

I'm a current intern in Austin, Texas. While statewide, we are experiencing budget cuts in education, school psychology jobs remain, and most districts are willing to hire interns into fully salaried positions. My job is stressful and time consuming- counseling, evaluations, consultation and meetings- but with time, it will become easier.

I've been doing a lot of research on psychology careers (I'm getting ready to graduate) and have heard that school psychology is a really good option. Based on the economy and all of the uncertainty in corporate america, I think you're in a good place. Plus, won't you have a pretty nice pension if you end up retiring with the school system? These seem to have become a thing of the past. Best of luck to you.

My fiance is currently a School Psychologist and is really unhappy. Due to the large volume of reports, constant crisis and always feeling like he is behind, he has now begun to think about a career change. He is only 30, so it seems reasonable enough to make that change, however, it also seems daunting.

Has anyone left the field of School Psychology? What did you decide to do and how did you take the steps?

jlau33 in Brick, New Jersey said: My fiance is currently a School Psychologist and is really unhappy. Due to the large volume of reports, constant crisis and always feeling like he is behind, he has now begun to think about a career change. He is only 30, so it seems reasonable enough to make that change, however, it also seems daunting.

Has anyone left the field of School Psychology? What did you decide to do and how did you take the steps?

Yes, I did leave the field of school psych for almost 10 years. To be honest, I was very tired and bored with the whole "test monkey" thing...plus the stress, etc. Funny, I was 30 when I left the field and 40 when I returned. And, yes, it is much better! The difference is that I now work in a very rural area where it's still crazy and stressful at times, but I enjoy having a variety of job responsibilities, including counseling and consulatation. Another huge change, is the emphasis on RTI which has cut down the number of referrals dramatically...not saying that's always a good thing or what is best for the child but in most cases it is. I shudder to think how many kids have been found eligible for SLD based on a discrepancy between cognition and achievement when it was really insufficient teaching.

Other choices? You might give serious consideration to attending about law school...being an advocate with your background and knowledge would be incredible. Or you could think about sales (educational companies) or consultation.

Hope it works out...believe me, I have been where you are!

hello, i am currently an undergrad student in psych. this seems to be the real hot major for people in psych. i was encouraged by how so many people in the north east had more positive things to say about the job.

i would really like to be able to help people but i would compromise if it meant i had job security. is there any other jobs in the psych field that you might suggest with decent market thats more counseling/therapy oriented?

as i said earlier this is a hot major. do you think there will be jobs in 5 years (im only a freshman)

any advice is much appreciated. i wanna help and counsel more then id like to run tests but priority #1 is make a living. t

I have a question for those who enrolled in a school psychology program. Does one need to take a course in statistics? Thanks!

You will need to take courses in Statistics and Research if you enroll in a NASP approved program.

I would imagine even if the program is not NASP approved, there will be coursework in statistics. Much of what school psychologists do (especially assessment) relies heavily on stats. IMO, if you are not adequately trained in stats through a program, you should not be a psychologist!

It's like most jobs--it's up to you to know how to handle stress/pressure. I have been a school psych. for 7 years--I find that it's a fair career--just be prepared for the reality of it all--it's not like the brochure, but it offers good pay, good vacation, and good job security, even in the current market. In CA you'll be tenured after three years!

It's like most jobs--it's up to you to know how to handle stress/pressure. I have been a school psych. for 7 years--I find that it's a fair career--just be prepared for the reality of it all--it's not like the brochure, but it offers good pay, good vacation, and good job security, even in the current market. In CA you'll be tenured after three years!

It's like most jobs--it's up to you to know how to handle stress/pressure. I have been a school psych. for 7 years--I find that it's a fair career--just be prepared for the reality of it all--it's not like the brochure, but it offers good pay, good vacation, and good job security, even in the current market. In CA you'll be tenured after three years!

Hey all,I am in the Maryland area. I am currently a law school student and a teacher. I am thinking of applying to some Phd programs in school psychology and I want to have the option to work both in the school districts and in private practice. I spoke to the administration at Towson university and was told that school districts in Maryland are not hiring school psychologists. Is this true? What are the job prospects in the Northeast? Is it possible for school psychologists to go into private practice? What is the average starting salary in the Northeast? Thanks!

v in Hamden, Connecticut said: I am a school psychologist in Connecticut. I have been working in city schools for 10 years, prior to that a classroom teacher for 20 years. I LOVE my job!! Feel free to email me.

Hi! I am on my first semester of a SP program in Seattle. I love it so far! It is hard work and I can tell it will be a high-stress and demanding job, however, what rewarding job isn't like that? I would love to read more about what you have to say! We need more people with positive outlooks about this career.

I have been a school psych for 7 years. I love the profession. Though when a student does not demonstrate eligibility for special education services or have a disability, in my experience people get angry and want you to "make it happen." Of course, ethically, if someone is not disabled, it is not right to make them disabled. So....you run into a lot of stress there. Plan on feeling alone and like the bad guy. Teachers and sometimes parents and administrators mask this as just wanting to do what is right for the kid, but is special education right or an overall improvement of instruction for the students....try suggesting the later when the solution seems obvious. You won't make many friends. I would consider myself very successful in the field, however, I have to bend a lot looking toward a long term goals and moving in small increments. Shaping the behavior and thinking of teachers, admin and parents.

My biggest problem is that I have 3 children and I make $53,000 per year. Now I do live in a town in Kansas and my costs of living are comparable to Kansas City, with less expense in childcare, but my wife works full time and makes decent money but we still struggle. I don't know how everyone else struggles but life is tough. After being in the field, I have discovered that OTs make about 70 grand per year and PTs make about 80 grand per year some more some less. Last I knew OTs don't have an entrance exam and it only takes about 6-7 years total to get your credentials this includes undergrad degree. i would imagine there job is less stressful than a school psych and you still get to help kids and probably work with them more.

I'm currently searching for a position and have had no luck. I graduated from an ivy league school with perfect grades, had a really desirable internship where I have lots or letters of rec. I've gone on 2 interviews and have a third next week. I've put out about 10 applications to school districts. What gives? Relocating is not an option. Any advice on where else to look besides districts where I can still use my degree? I think I really like the field!!

I would try assessment publishing companies, private assessment specialists, hospitals with child development centers that offer developmental assessments, etc. With all the emphasis upon accountability and compliance, you may want to check with your state Department of Special Ed to see if there are available openings for monitoring specialists or evaluators. Who better to look over compliance issues of an IEP than a school psychologist? Another idea "specialized training" to teachers/administration in RTI, especially progress monitoring and interventions for either academics or behaviors - again, look for private companies or publishing companies.

You may also want to explore the legal end....with your current degree coupled with a law degree, you would be a wonderful advocate for families of children with disabilities! (Or a total threat to a school system!)

Best of luck! It's not you or your degree...it's this awful economy that eats up local monies.

Be positive, be in prayer, and have faith! I can tell you truly enjoy our field which already puts you ahead in the game of life...it will happen for you!

I am considering getting my masters in School Psychology or School Counseling. I know in graduate school for School Psychology you have to take statistics, when working as an actual school psychologist do you need to use statistics?

At a minimum, you will need to understand concepts such as standard deviation, development of test batteries (norm samples) and research principals, as you will need to evaluate the research base of interventions you will be recommending (only research based interventions should be used in schools). It is important to feel comfortable with psychometric concepts, as you will be explaining results of testing to parents and IEP teams.