Improve Academic Achievement

Promote student motivation and engagement

Conduct psychological and academic assessments

Individualize instruction and interventions

Manage student and classroom behavior

Monitor student progress

Collect and interpret student and classroom data

Reduce inappropriate referrals to special education.

Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health

Improve students communication and social skills

Assess student emotional and behavioral needs

Provide individual and group counseling

Promote problem solving, anger management and conflict resolution

Reinforce positive coping skills and resilience

Promote positive peer relationships and social problem solving

Make referrals to and help coordinate community services provided in schools

Support Diverse Learners

Assess diverse learning needs

Provide culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds

Plan appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities

Modify and adapt curricula and instruction

Adjust classroom facilities and routines to improve student engagement and learning

Monitor and effectively communicate with parents about student progress

Create Safe, Positive School Climates

Prevent bullying and other forms of violence

Support social-emotional learning

Assess school climate and improve school connectedness

Implement and promote positive discipline and restorative justice

Implement school-wide positive behavioral supports

Identify at risk students and school vulnerabilities

Provide crisis prevention and intervention services

Strengthen Family-School Partnerships

Help families understand their child's learning and mental health needs

Assist in navigating special education processes

Connect families with community service providers when necessary

Help effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff

Enhance staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds

Help students transition between school and community learning environments, such as residential treatment or juvenile justice programs

Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior

Generate and interpret useful student and school outcome data

Collect and analyze data on risk and protective factors related to student outcomes

Plan services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels

Why Do Children Need School Psychologists? All children and youth can face problems from time to time related to learning; social relationships; making difficult decisions; or managing emotions such as feeling depressed, anxious, worried, or isolated. School psychologists help students, families, educators, and members of the community understand and resolve both long-term, chronic problems and short-term issues that students may face. They are a highly skilled and ready resource in the effort to ensure that all children and youth thrive in school, at home, and in life.

How Do I Contact a School Psychologist? Every school has access to the services of a school psychologist, although some school psychologists serve two or more schools so may not be at a particular school every day. Most often, school psychologists can be reached by inquiring at the school directly, the district's central office, or locating contact information on the school or district website.

III

One of the most important decisions in life is the choice of a profession. This problem is compounded by the fact that it is necessary to solve it very early, still not at a completely conscious age. The graduates of schools, in addition to their loads of the study of subjects and passing exams, should determine accurately their future profession.

The right choice in the modern world is becoming increasingly difficult. A great number of new and prestigious professions appear, more knowledge is required to implement one’s plans for his (her) future life. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the psychological characteristics of the individual. For many professions the character and natural gifts are not less important.

Since childhood I have dreamed of becoming a teacher. Initially, it was an unconscious desire, because my grandmother was an elementary school teacher, and I always envied her. I consider her a real celebrity, lots of students from her previous classes of graduates came to visit her, their parents always addressed respectfully and lovingly to her, she often returned home with bouquets of flowers. It was so interesting for me to attend her school activities and interact with her students.

I saw that she was working hard, granny was always busy with notebooks, plans and tables. My grandmother knew how to do many things with her own hands and always taught me. My mother, unfortunately, did not opt for the teaching profession because she considered that my grandmother had devoted most of the time to school and not to the family. My mother's character is not suitable for this work, although she is kind, smart and perseverant. She loves her more relaxed and creative work and does not welcome much my choice.

I understand that the noble and time-consuming work of a teacher is not highly valued in the country, salaries are small, the environment at work is far from being favourable and the profession requires constant dedication. But I believe that doing things you love, and not just making a career, can bring excellent results. There are a lot of examples of the teachers who have become known for their work. I have read many books and watched a lot of movies about this fascinating, generous and interesting job. I think that the life of a society and a country as a whole, depend on the teachers, the quality of their work, their skills and commitment.

A good teacher must possess many qualities: to be creative, hard -working, self-restrained, able to solve problems and make the right decisions.

While studying at school I have realized that teachers are different. Some of them have taken this job by mistake, without estimating their strengths and character. As a result, they fail to achieve good results in the work, and they ruin the life not only of themselves but also of other people, especially children. This is a very sad mistake which is sometimes difficult to correct.

I believe that a teacher should have a talent, as well as an actor, writer or a doctor. Before you decide on a profession and make it enjoyable, not a punishment for you, you need to listen to the advice of authoritative people, psychologists, good teachers. You need to observe the work from the "inside" and assess your abilities.

I know that some prestigious and highly paid professions can become a heavy burden for many young people. Moreover, opting for the most common and not fashionable jobs, you can achieve very good results and get real satisfaction, and sometimes the purpose of your life. I hope that I will succeed and I will never be disappointed about my choice.