How do I become a school psychologist?

Should I become an elementary teacher or school psychologist?

• I'm currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education / Earth Science in New York. I'll be graduating in December and I need to make a decision ASAP. I love working with children and have a ton of experience doing so but I've more so always loved helping other people. Discouraged by the amount of school it would take to become a clinical/counseling psychologist, I decided to go for elementary education. However, after much research, I discovered that one can become a school psychologist in just 3 years (two academic, one full time internship) at an NASP approved program. But I need to be sure because pursuing this will cost much more money than a simple master's degree in special ed or literacy if I choose to continue pursuing teaching. I don't want to get stuck in the politics of teaching or the stress of teaching to the ever-increasing standardized tests, however I do love teaching. I'd like to work in a school regardless because I'd like the vacation time. I know school psychologists also make more money and may have an easier time getting a job. I'm not adverse to eventually pursuing my Psy.D/PhD, just not straight from my bachelor's. I need to start making some money and can't wait another 6 years. I'd pursue that Ed.S for School Psychology. I have excellent grades and a good amount of experience working with children. I don't know what to do and could really use some professional advice (from teachers/school psychologists). My academic counselors here are useless. Elementary school teacher or school psychologist and why? (considering job prospects, education required, salary, and the every-day job itself and anything else useful) Thank you so much for your help! Marissa

• Answer:

  Hi Marissa, please ignore Kahless'es response, while heartfelt, it is WRONG! This question really hit to home for me, because I actually have experience with both programs. I am a licensed special education teacher, AND I am now working on my school psychology degree. I went right from the Masters in Special Ed to the School Psyc EdSp program. Heres what I can tell you, though not having much experience teaching (I do have one year as a Behavioral Specialist/Social Worker since I had that license already though). Its all in what you wish to do. If your a special ed teacher OR a school psyc, you can always find a job in both areas if you dont limit the area you want to live in. Thats not an issue. Pay, is a little different story. Schools Psychs do typically make more, but there usually on an administrators salary so the summer is cut a but for that pay- (ie teachers- 180 days vs admin is something like 220 days). I suggest you think about this, and maybe shadow a school psyc to see what they do. They DONT just sit in meetings and do IEPS all day anymore, if thats what they are doing- they are choosing to. They also run groups and do counseling as well in most districts, and yes they still test. But speak with a school psyc (maybe at the district you did your student teaching- they know you already). Shadow him/her if you can. I love both jobs, but I like the psyc part much better, it allows for more flexibility in schedules and being able to move around in the daytime. I will add this- you can always go back and get that masters in special ed, since your student teaching is over. They have several night/weekend/online only (I chose an online program, never stepped foot on a campus while I worked full time) to do later if you choose to switch. Still though, GET that teaching license you are qualified for when you graduate- itll look better on a resume. Last thought- if you choose to teach for a year or two- itll look really good because special ed compliments the school psyc very well and schools love teaching experience. Then you could go back if you wanted for the school psyc degree. You may be able to teach and go to school as well- that's what I am doing for the first year only, its a lot- but most school psyc programs are at night. Its a thought. Soo- the ultimate decision is all yours, nobody can really say go with this or that (and those that are arent you!). Some love teaching, others dont care for it and leave after a year or two. You have the experience teaching, yet it seems like your second guessing yourself, maybe thats the answer right there. But, school psyc is definitely more stressful- so thats something to take into consideration as well. Your making kids life decisions in school- could make or break that child, every day.