School Psychologists In L.A. Help Foster Student Growth
With nearly 19,000 employed statewide and growing, California leads the nation in the number of psychologists that are actively holding posts within the medical industry and at elementary and secondary schools. In the greater Los Angeles region, these scholarly practitioners earn an average annual salary nearing $97,000, with top professionals securing yearly paychecks of around $122,000, according to current economic data.
Due to ongoing initiatives in greater L.A. to better assist flourishing students with behavioral issues, learning disabilities and other special needs, the responsibilities of a results-driven school psychologist are expanding.
"As the identification of developmental disabilities such as autism increases, as economic disparities and disadvantages increase, and as the traumatic events in which students and their families experience increase, the school psychologist's role will grow larger," said Carol Goodkind, a psychologist at Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center.
How is the need to better help students with challenges progressing?
"The expectation of all students with disabilities is to achieve with their non-disabled peers. Interventions and the measurement of a student's response to interventions are now being used to develop and revise students' educational programs, as needed."
How do psychologists nurture a student's development?
"School psychologists foster student growth by listening to the concerns of parents, students and educational staff, identifying the learning, social and emotional needs of students, and by collaborating with all parties in order to develop an educational program that will maximize a student's achievement."
What exemplifies a competent school psychologist?
"The ability to communicate and collaborate with others defines the effectiveness of a school psychologist."
How should aspiring school psychologists plan for a solid vocation?
"The best way to prepare for a sustainable career as a school psychologist is to complete an effective graduate school program with a strong behavioral component, and continue lifelong learning."
What is your message to endeavoring school psychologists?
"My advice to those planning to enter school psychology as a career is to understand that the job is highly demanding and time-consuming, however, the knowledge that you are giving back to the community and helping children is an unending reward."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
