A school psychologist works with students in early childhood and elementary and secondary schools. School psychologist and teachers, parents, and school personnel join to create a safe, healthy but yet supportive learning environment that focuses on the needs of students. School psychologists work with individual students and groups of students to deal with behavioral problems, academic difficulties, disabilities, and other issues. They also work with teachers and parents to develop techniques to deal with home and classroom behavior. Other tasks include training students, parents, and teachers about how to manage crisis situations and substance abuse problems. For example psychologists may suggest improvements to the classroom management strategies or parenting techniques, and evaluate students with disabilities, or gifted and talented students to find the best way to educate these students on one understanding.
Often times it is necessary for school psychologist to have qualities or characteristics such as being mature, stable, and patient with students. Must be an excellent communicator and obviously possessing those skills especially in listening and speaking. One who inspires trust and confidence, and is intrigued with human behavior. These qualities or traits are said to be helpful to one who is interested in a career as a school psychologists. While most work in elementary and secondary schools, there are a number of different areas where school psychologists might find employment. Private clinics, hospitals, state agencies, and universities are possible sectors of employment. Some school psychologists also go into private practice and serve as consultants, especially those with a doctoral degree in school psychology. Typically a school psychologist job or duty is as follows, Consults with teachers, parents, and school personnel about learning, social and behavior problems; Teaches lessons on parenting
References: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm Reschly, D. & Wilson, M. (1995). School psychology practitioners and faculty: 1986 to 1991-92 trends in demographics, roles, satisfaction, and system reform. School Psychology Review, 24(1), 62-80. CEC | School Psychologist. (n.d.). CEC | Home. Retrieved April 20, 2010, from http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Job_Profiles&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2325