School Psychologist Nora Canavan: Behavioral Health Services in Boston

School Psychologist Behavioral Health Services Nora Canavan

Department of Behavioral Health Services: Boston Public Schools Department of Behavioral Health Services: 69 school psychologists and 8 pupil adjustment counselors/school social workers support 125 BPS schools 54,000 students attend BPS They provide student services, such as counseling and intervention, as well as system services like climate team facilitation Behavioral Health Services team also works with teachers, faculty and parents Behavioral Health Services department provides a wide continuum of behavioral health services including prevention, at-risk and intensive services Listen To Audio

Job Description and Duties School Psychologists help students in many ways, through: Self regulation difficulties Teaching Coping skills Working through Trauma Teaching/ improving Social skills School Psychologists also conduct psychological evaluations Work with teachers, faculty and parents to create plans like IEP s Assess students in different skill areas Create, plan, attend/support school and student committees School Climate Team Provide positive behavioral support Teach and reinforce support for students, teachers and parents Often given a heavy workload and unfortunately tend to be understaffed Usually a poor counselor to student ratio Promote positive school climate and social and academic success Provide 6 of the NASP Practice Model Organizational Principles Link To Audio https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/8367

Ann Canavan, School Psychologist I chose to interview Ann because I aspire to be a school psychologist. Specifically, I hope to work in the Boston Public School System. She is knowledgeable about the field of psychology as well as the BPS system. She attended Umass Boston which is where I will likely pursue my Masters Degree. Ann Canavan has been a school psychologist in the Boston Public School system for 31 years Her students have dealt with varied levels of trauma, violence and poverty Ann grew up in Boston and attended Boston Public Schools, so she sees many of her students as a reflection of her younger self and wants to provide them with the best guidance and support possible Ann meets with about 20 children weekly along with teachers, faculty and parents She works across three different schools Some of her colleagues work across 4-5 different schools, serving up to 1300 students. Many schools are left without a school psychologist/social worker several days a week due to the shortage of mental health care staff. Ann and her colleagues oftentimes have to make the difficult decision of leaving one school for the day to go assist at another school that may be in crisis. School psychologists face the difficult task of triaging situations across their assigned schools. This is important to consider when deciding which specific field in psychology to work in. There are many factors outside of the control of school psychologist since they work for a school system, not a private practice. Budgeting and funding of the district directly impacts the workload and salary of school psychologists. Although her work is strenuous at times and the school system creates many challenges, she would not trade her job for anything. Her favorite quote to summarize her job, It s always about the children . -Charles Barrett, School Psychologist Link to Audio

Steps to Becoming A School Psychologist (in MA): SEA Credential: Initial License: Requires completion of a master's degree or higher in school psychology approved by NASP, including an advanced practicum of 1,200 hours, 600 of which must be in a school setting. Also requires a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills test. Requirements to Work for BPS: Professional License: Requires possession of an Initial license, 3 years of employment as a school psychologist, and completion of one of the following: Possess a Master's Degree in education, counseling or other related fields Possess a current MA Dept of Education Guidance Counselor License 1. 2. Passing score on the Praxis II Achievement and maintenance of a credential from one of the following: 1. The Massachusetts Board of Allied Mental Health Professionals, as an educational psychologist 2. NCSP https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and- certification/state-school-psychology-credentialing- requirements/states/massachusetts https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/225