Imagine a fulfilling career where you can ignite the flame of learning and emotional growth in young minds while making a lasting impact on their lives. As a school psychologist in Missouri, you can turn this vision into reality.
In Missouri, school psychologists serve as the backbone of students’ mental health, social-emotional development, and academic triumphs. Like skilled weavers, they collaborate with educators, parents, and fellow professionals to create an effective learning environment.
Ready to embark on this meaningful journey? This article will guide you through the essential steps and requirements to obtain a school psychologist certification in the Show-Me State, Missouri.
What are the Requirement for a School Psychologist Certificate in Missouri?
Below is a quick breakdown of requirements to become a licensed school psychologist in Missouri:
- Complete an advanced degree, either a specialist or its equivalent
- Obtain an endorsement
- Complete practicum and supervised internship
- Pass the Praxis exam (5402)
- Get an Initial Student Services Certificate
- Complete four years of experience
- Complete 40 contact hours of professional development
- Complete an annual performance-based evaluation
- Apply for a Career Continuous Student Services Certificate
School Psychologist Initial Student Services Certificate
To obtain an Initial Student Services Certificate you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of an advanced degree, either a specialist or its equivalent, consisting of a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours with a primary focus on school psychology.
- An endorsement for certification must be obtained from a high-ranking official of the university that has received approval from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to offer training in the field of school psychology.
- Completion of practicum experiences, accompanied by a supervised internship equivalent to the duration of a single academic year or encompassing at least 1,200 hours. A crucial aspect of this requirement is the completion of no less than 50% of the internship within an educational context, such as a school or learning center.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the field of school psychology by achieving a passing score of 147 on the School Psychologist (5402) Exam, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
- Successfully completion of a background check (fingerprint)
School Psychologist Career Continuous Student Services Certificate
To convert your Initial Student Services Certificate to a Career Continuous student Services Certificate, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Four (4) years of experience in a state-approved role.
- Participate in two years of mentoring provided by your school district, which may occur during your first two (2) years of experience, with the possibility of the first year coinciding with your internship.
- Develop, implement, and complete a professional development plan of a minimum of 40 contact hours of professional development or the equivalent of 3 semester hours of graduate credit towards an advanced degree.
- Successfully engage in an annual performance-based evaluation to demonstrate your effectiveness and growth in the field of school psychology.
School Psychological Examiner Initial Student Services Certificate
In Missouri, you have the option to pursue a School Psychological Examiner, Initial Student Services Certificate, which is valid for four years. To obtain this certificate, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Earn a master’s degree in counseling psychology, school counseling, or educational psychology including specific coursework in development, psychology, measurement, and individual assessment.
- Complete a course in Psychology and/or Education of the Exceptional Child.
- Obtain a recommendation for certification from the designated official of an approved Psychological Examiner preparation program.
- Complete a minimum of 24 graduate semester hours.
- Achieve a score equal to or greater than the qualifying score on the required exit assessment(s).
- Complete a supervised internship or field experience in school psychological assessment, amounting to at least 150 hours in an appropriate school setting.
School Psychological Examiner Continuous Student Services Certificate
To convert your School Psychological Examiner Initial Student Services Certificate to a School Psychological Examiner Continuous Student Services Certificate, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Four years of experience in a state-approved role.
- Participate in two years of mentoring provided by your school district, which may occur during your first two years of experience, with the possibility of the first year coinciding with your internship.
- Develop, implement, and complete a professional development plan of a minimum of 40 contact hours of professional development or the equivalent of 3 semester hours of graduate credit towards an advanced degree.
- Successfully engage in an annual performance-based evaluation to demonstrate your effectiveness and growth in the field of school psychology.
Provisional Certificate
Missouri provides the option of obtaining a provisional credential. You can apply for a non-renewable provisional certificate, which is valid for a maximum of two years, before completing your degree. However, you must finish your degree within the two-year period to be eligible for initial certification. This provisional credential is typically acquired by interns to complete their internships in Missouri.
Renewal and Continuing Education (CE)
In Missouri, the Initial Student Services Certificate remains valid for a four-year period. To convert it into a Career Continuous Student Services Certificate, you will need to finish 40 hours of professional development that is NASP-approved, undergo an annual performance review, and participate in two years of mentorship.
To ensure the ongoing validity of your Career Continuous Student Services Certificate, you can choose between two options:
- Engage in a performance-based assessment system and accomplish 20 hours of professional development annually.
- Collaborate with your school to devise a professional development strategy, and satisfy at least two of these requirements:
- Complete 10 years of experience as a school psychologist, approved by the state.
- Complete an education specialist degree in the field of school psychology or a similar discipline.
- Obtain the National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential.
How Long Does It Take Become a Licensed School Psychologist in Missouri?
The time it takes to become a licensed school psychologist (Initial Certificate) in Missouri can vary depending on the specific educational and training requirements you need to fulfill. Typically, the process involves:
- Completing a bachelor’s degree (usually 4 years).
- Earning a specialist or equivalent degree in school psychology (2-3 years). This includes a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours.
- Gaining practical experience through a supervised internship equivalent to one academic year (or at least 1,200 hours), with at least half of the internship completed in an educational setting.
- Passing the School Psychologist (5402) Exam administered by the Educational Testing Service.
Considering these steps, it generally takes 6-7 years to become a licensed school psychologist in Missouri. However, the duration may vary depending on the length of your internship, the time you take to pass the required exam, and other individual factors.
Can I Become a Licensed School Psychologist in Missouri With a Bachelor’s Degree?
No, you need at least a master’s degree in school psychology to be eligible for school psychologist certificate in Missouri.
What is the Scope of Practice for School Psychologists in Missouri?
Holding an Initial or a Continuous certificate enables school psychologists to offer their services in public schools for grades K-12, as well as in early childhood and pre-K environments. However, these credential does not permit them to engage in private practice beyond the school setting. To work outside of school setting, one must apply for a psychologist license through the Missouri Committee of Psychologists.
While school psychological examiners primarily concentrate on conducting assessments, school psychologists provide a comprehensive array of services.
In Missouri, the range of responsibilities for school psychologists is quite extensive, focusing on supporting students’ mental well-being, academic achievements, and overall health. Some key roles they play include:
- Evaluations: Carrying out psychological and educational assessments to determine students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral requirements. This involves identifying students who may need special education services and suggesting appropriate accommodations and interventions.
- Intervention strategies: Creating, executing, and overseeing research-based interventions for students facing academic, emotional, or behavioral challenges. This often requires collaboration with teachers, school personnel, and parents to address students’ needs and enhance their performance.
- Consultative services: Offering guidance to educators, administrators, and parents on subjects such as effective classroom management, learning techniques, and socio-emotional growth.
- Preventative measures: Establishing and advocating for preventative programs that address concerns like bullying, mental health awareness, and overall school safety.
- Counseling support: Providing one-on-one or group counseling services to assist students in dealing with academic, emotional, or social difficulties.
- Crisis management: Handling crisis situations within the school environment and delivering support to impacted students, staff members, and families.
- Teamwork: Cooperating with other educational professionals, including teachers, counselors, and administrators, to design and implement comprehensive student support services.
- Ongoing learning: Participating in continuous professional development to remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in school psychology and education.
- Research and program assessments: Undertaking research or assessing the efficacy of school initiatives and interventions to ensure that students’ needs are being met.
How Much Does a School Psychologist Make in Missouri?
As of April 2023, the average salary for licensed school psychologists in Missouri is $81,520 per year, with more experienced professionals earning over $95,000 per year.
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