What Keeps School Psychologists Happily Working in the Field

YOUNG, ELLIE L (Ellie)¹, Moulton, SARA E (Sara)^2
1Brigham Young University, 340-L MCKB, 84660, Provo, UT
²Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, 1954 Buford Avenue, Suite 425, 55108, St. Paul, MN

 

Submission type

Poster only

Scheduled

Hallway, 22-07-2016, 16:00 - 17:00

Keywords

Professional issues in school psychology, shortages of school psychologiests

Summary

This presentation will share results from a survey that asked school psychologists (SP) why they stay in the field and what contributes to feelings of dissatisfaction. Results show that SPs stay in the field because they want to work with students.   Consulting with parents and teachers, being part of a team and having opportunities to train other educators and parents, and having autonomy and opportunities to contribute also are important reasons why SPs continue to work in the field. Overall, participants were likely to be satisfied with their current work and the majority of respondents indicated that they agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with their job as a SP.  Similarly,  most participants shared that they planned to continue working as a SP through the end of their careers even though that being a SP was stressful.

 

SPs consider leaving the field because of heavy caseloads, too many demands, and low pay.  Having limited roles such as administering tests also contributed to feelings of dissatisfaction.  Excessive paper work and red tape contributed to frustration.   Not feeling supported by leaders also contributed to dissatisfaction.  Some participants shared feelings of isolation in making important ethical and legal decision-making. 

Auteurs