Career paper
Psychology 250
My subject of attention is school psychology and career choice is school psychology. I have researched this topic and found lots of valuable information to discuss. I will cover all aspects of this career including a definition of what it involves on a day to day basis, why I have chosen this career as my subject of interest, common personality characteristics and values that go along well with this job. I will also talk about the minimum requirements and educational path that must be followed for this career choice along with advancement opportunities. Lastly, I will discuss the leading companies in this area, local perspectives, and present outlooks and salaries that can be expected here and in other U.S. geographical areas. School psychologists work with public and private schools. They directly assess and counsel students at these schools. School psychologists have consultations with school staff and parents while also conducting behavioral interventions when needed. According to Landrum and Davis (2009) “they help people within the educational system maintain the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children at the school” ( p.15). They also help create optimal learning environments and atmospheres that foster positive mental health. I find this field intriguing because working in a school with children, parents, teachers, and other school personnel seems very interesting to me. I like the idea of working with various groups of people compared to just with one specific group. School psychologists can obtain jobs working with early childhood, elementary schools, and secondary schools. The overall goal is to work with all of the groups mentioned above to create a school that is healthy and safe. Students deserve to have a supportive learning environment. If students have learning and/or behavioral problems the school psychologist will address these issues while making helpful
References: Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2008-2009). Occupational outlook handbook. Washington, DC: U.S Christenson, Sandra L. (1994). Families and schools: What is the role of the school psychologist? School of Psychology Quarterly, 10(2), 118-132. Cornell, E.L. (1942). The psychologist in a school system. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 6(4), 185-195. Jacob, Susan. (2003). Ethics and law for school psychologists. Hoboken, N.J. Landrum, Eric R., & Davis Stephen F. (2009). The Psychology Major. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. Sandoval, Jonathan. (2002). Hanbook of crisis counseling, intervention, & prevention in schools School Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2009, from The Psychology Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_psychology VanVoorhis, Richard W. (2006). Job satisfaction among school psychologists: A meta- analysis