School psychologists go above and beyond to provide positive educational experiences and create dynamic learning spaces for students. From providing mental health resources to developing collaborative support systems, they work tirelessly to help learners unlock their potential, thrive and shine!
As National School Psychology Awareness Week wraps up on November 11, we encourage families and school leaders statewide to take a moment and thank these skilled professionals for the important work they do in supporting students and their needs every day.
According to the Department of Defense Education Activity, school psychologists complete a variety of tasks, including:
- Provide direct support and interventions to students
- Consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals,
- including school counselors and school social workers, to improve support strategies
- Work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies
- Collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services.
School psychologists understand how mental health can impact how children and teens learn, behave or handle their emotions. Here at PDE, we want to help school psychologists and other student support professionals remove the stigma around mental health.
No matter which challenges you are facing, there are many supports available throughout the commonwealth, Reach out for help when needed. We've compiled mental health and well-being resources — from easy-to-implement wellness guides to strategies on how to create positive learning environments. And, together, we can help students and staff continue important conversations about mental health in your school community.
For more in-depth information, school resources and toolkits are available to download and share. You can also read Gov. Wolf's Mental Health Resource Guide or explore our online mental health and well-being resources, which provide PDE's best practices and resources for parents, educators, and professionals serving children and youth in schools and the community. Topics include:
- Social-Emotional Wellness
- Coping with Emotions
- Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention
- Grief and Loss
- Student and Staff Wellness Checklist
- Find Help and Treatment
- Crisis Intervention
- Trauma Response
Helping students and school staff be strong and healthy ultimately creates safe and successful classrooms and communities. If you need assistance with additional mental health resources, please contact your local school district or our PDE office.
Remember help is available 24/7. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or alone, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text PA to 741-741.