The NASP Connection

National School Psychology Week is upon us! Whether you’re practicing in schools or communities, training to become a school psychologist or training future school psychologists, we’re grateful for you. Collectively, we all make a difference in the lives of millions of children and youth. This month is a chance to celebrate that work. I sent out an email to all the principals and special education directors in Idaho informing them about NSPW!! I hope you’re getting the credit you deserve. Check out all the resources and fun activities NASP has to offer for NSPW by clicking on the above link! 

With NASP's assistance, I created a State Action Alert that I hope you will join me in sending to our Idaho legislators within the next two weeks. This works exactly like NASP's Action Alert that you probably have used sending messages to our U.S. Congressmen. Here is the link to the alert: https://www.nasponline.org/research-and-policy/advocacy/advocacy-action-center?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f118586%2fRespond. All you have to do is read over what we created, make any additions that might be related to your district here in Idaho (if you'd like), put in your information, and then hit Send Message. This message will be sent to Gov. Little, Lt. Gov. Bedke, and the legislators in your district. Let's get the word out regarding school psychologists in Idaho!!

As you’re finalizing plans for National School Psychology Week from November 11–15, don’t underestimate the power of a short, simple interaction with students in your district or university. The NASP Exposure Project has set a new goal to reach 25 students per month per state, and you can be a part of it.

By meeting with one psychology class for about 10–15 minutes—be it high schoolers or undergraduates—you can open their eyes to a career path they may not have considered. I challenge you to send an email or stop by your psychology teacher’s room sometime between now and winter break to coordinate this effort. No prep work is required. Download a presentation template and supplemental materials.

Lastly and very importantly, I want to make sure you saw NASP President Peter Faustino’s message about the open comment period for APA’s Model Licensure Act. To date, APA has heard us when we stress the importance of protecting the title “school psychologist” for specialist-level graduates. The work doesn’t stop there though; we need you to echo these sentiments. Please participate in the open comment period before it closes on November 24. You’ll find instructions online.

And remember, we couldn’t advocate without your support. NASP membership monies directly support state-level and national advocacy efforts to protect your role and benefits ALL school psychologists. So join or renew your membership today. Also, if you join NASP before November 20th, your registration fee for the annual convention in Seattle in February will be at the Early Bird discounted rate.

Take care and please reach out if you have any questions or concerns, and I'll do what I can to assist and support you.

Teresa

Teresa Stivers Fritsch, Psy.S., NCSP

School Psychologist-retired

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Board of Directors

Western Delegate Representative

Idaho Delegate