D428 School Psychologists
" In a world full of possibilities, connections are the spark that ignite discovery."
~ Dr. Peter Faustino, NASP President
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has designated November 11–15, 2024 as National School Psychology Week (NSPW), with the theme “Spark Discovery.” NSPW is an annual opportunity to recognize school psychologists’ work to help youth thrive. School psychologists partner with students, families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and adolescents succeed socially, behaviorally, emotionally, and academically.
This year’s theme, “Spark Discovery,” is meant to evoke a sense of pride in school psychologists’ scientist-practitioner training. School psychologists support their communities in exploring connections and pursuing new ideas. Dr. Peter Faustino, NASP President, states, “As we celebrate NSPW, I would like us to remember the profound impact that positive, supportive relationships have in fostering growth and transformation. The power of meaningful connections kindles curiosity, inspires learning, and sparks the discovery of new possibilities in our schools and communities.”
Here in the DeKalb School District, we share the goal of helping our students grow in school, at home, and in life. This includes recognizing individual growth, bridging differences, celebrating diversity, building positive relationships, providing opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills, and encouraging our students to take on challenges and persevere when things get difficult. Working together, we can help our students as they grow as individuals and contribute to a positive school community.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is a professional association representing more than 25,000 school psychologists, graduate students, and related professionals throughout the United States and an additional 25 countries worldwide. As the world's largest organization of school psychologists, NASP works to advance effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior, and mental health. Their vision is that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and throughout life.
D428 School Psychologists are here to support you.
Littlejohn Elementary School ~ (815) 754-2258
Cortland Elementary School ~ (815) 754-1076
Tyler Elementary School ~ (815) 754-2389
DeKalb High School ~ (815) 754-2100
Clinton Rosette Middle School ~ (815) 754-2226
Malta Elementary School ~ (815) 754-2970
Early Learning Development Center ~ (815) 754-2999
Brooks Elementary School ~ (815) 754-9936
DeKalb High School ~ (815) 754-2986
Huntley Middle School ~ (815) 754-2241
Founders Elementary School ~ (815) 754-3800
DeKalb High School ~ (815) 754-2271
Jefferson Elementary School ~ (815) 754-2263
Lincoln Elementary School ~ (815) 754-2212
What is a School Psychologist?
School psychologists are mental health specialists with knowledge of child development, the psychology of learning, behavior management and intervention, monitoring progress of students, and program evaluation.
School psychologists apply this knowledge using a problem-solving approach to help bring about positive changes in learning environment, attitude, and motivation. Services offered by the school psychologist may be provided directly to the student or indirectly by working with teachers, parents, and other care givers; however, all services provided by the school psychologist are intended to enhance the academic and social emotional success of students.
School psychologists promote the application of research-based psychological principles and practices that support the mental health and learning potential of all students in general education as well as special education programs.
What training is required to become a School Psychologist?
School psychologists are intensely trained in both psychology and education and are required to complete a minimum of 60 graduate semester credit hours in a specialist-level degree program in school psychology, with a year-long, or 1,200-hour, supervised internship. The overall program includes graduate training and studies in mental health and educational interventions, child development, learning, behavior, motivation, curriculum and instruction, assessment, consultation, collaboration, school law, and systems. Many programs also offer a doctorate in school psychology, which generally requires 5 to 7 years of graduate work, including a 1,500-hour internship and completion of a dissertation. School psychologists must be certified and/or licensed by the state in which they work. They also may be nationally certified by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB). The National Association of School Psychologists sets ethical and training standards for practice and service delivery.
901 S. 4th Street
DeKalb, IL
Phone: (815) 754-2350
Espanol: (815) 754-2102
