Things I wish I knew before becoming a school psychologist

[@JustJC5]

Thank you so much for posting this! I am in my freshman year of majoring in Psych and this is the goal! I definitely have A LOT to work on, improve on, etc. This is going to be one HELL of a journey, but as I educate myself on just how hard it is to become a School Psychologist, I think (hopefully), like you said, it will prepare me mentally. Again, thank you so much!!!!

[@emilysturgell6943]

I’m in the second year of my program in Tennessee! I LOVE these videos! Tennessee is one of the few states where giftedness is counted as a disability. In my practicum, I had to test a kid and tell their parents that they did not meet the criteria. They took it hard. Talking to parents is what is going to intimidate me about this job!

[@downwiththeclique7239]

I am so grateful for your channel. I thought I wanted to be a school psychologist, and there is very little information out there. You have really cleared up a lot of uncertainty for me. Thank you!

[@TiffanyLee]

whether you decide it's for you or not, i'm glad i could be helpful! thank you so much for watching ❤️

[@hannahstuermer235]

I’m in the Seattle area and graduated last year with my bachelors in psych, and am about to start my second year as a para in a developmental pre-school class, and I need to thank you for all of your videos! They’re helped so much as I try to navigate getting experience and preparing myself for (hopefully) getting into a school psych program in the next year or two!❤️

[@TiffanyLee]

thank you so much for watching! building that experience is going to help you immensely with your application 😄🙌

[@shaybaeevolve119]

Hurray! I'm a para in Thurston county with high support preschool. Her videos are helping me! Good for you❤️

[@jillm9165]

i’m planning to apply to the school psych masters program close to my house this fall! i’m graduating with my BA this spring! i’m a bit terrified but your videos are comforting

[@drlisa3]

I’ve been a school psych since 1998. I also have a Dr in clinical psych. Best decision ever to do both! Add administration to your enforcements, you’ll thank me later! ;)

[@kaydigrateful]

Please could you explain, what do you mean. " add administration to your enforcements" ?

[@jennyarias2260]

​@Kaydi Grateful she's probably speaking on getting your supervisor certification

[@anasantiago5249]

I am thinking about doing this currently I am doing a masters on clinical mental health counseling, but I’m thinking about changing to school psychology. I am currently a T-shirt and I think school psychology would make me the happiest I do want to have the opportunity to counsel in the future so it’s good to hear about somebody that is a school psychologist and was able to do a doctorate in clinical psychology. If I do this, I would have the opportunity of doing both.

[@belindaellis4126]

Everything you said is so true! Even after three years in I'm still learning. As a School psychologist I find that I'm always learning new ways to be more effective in communication (which is EXTREMELY important) and efficient in presentations and navigating my role as a School psychologist. I honestly feel that I haven't knocked off the tip of what to learn yet. The learning process is never really over. But in different ways, I find the job to be rewarding. One can however, experience burnout so watch out for that.

[@dezu9272]

I just finished my 1st year and entering my practicum year this coming fall! I am very nervous 😅 Grad school is really no joke and a lot of work, but hopefully it is worth it in the end! Thank you for sharing your tips, Tiffany! I know they will be helpful along the way!😊

[@TiffanyLee]

thanks so much for watching! i learned so much during practicum. i'm really glad it's required for our degree!

[@kqmeh4342]

I am currently in a School Psychology program and finished my first Spring semester. The whole writing part is so true. I was not expecting to write literally over 100 pages within a month. I've had many sleepless nights just typing everyday. Thank you for the insight! I can't wait to finish the program.

[@TiffanyLee]

It gets better! So glad I'm done with school 😅

[@jeff4762]

I’m gonna explode here. 4th year Early Childhood Education Student (now doing my teaching assistantship) and I plan on getting a higher degree in School Psychology. Writing has always been a hobby for me plus academic English was always my strength (despite being bilingual). Because of my background in education, I assume I’ll be able to empathize with teachers more as I’m more familiar with this line of work. Public speaking was also one of my favourite subjects in school (Oral Communication being the highschool subject that inspired me to be a teacher). Your video just made me even more excited to take on the job I always wanted to pursue. Thank you 💙

[@TiffanyLee]

Love that for you!!! Your background in education will be a huge advantage when it comes to grad school acceptance and connecting with teachers

[@dalkomlatte5822]

“Smack in the face” that’s how I felt about internship 😅

[@TiffanyLee]

how i felt at every stage 😅

[@fatyamhabb]

hi Tiffany, thank you for your perfect videos. can you make a video about the differences between a PhD researcher in school psychology and specialist in this field?

[@torialaez4164]

THANK you for your video I am starting my program soon. I have been a teacher for 9 years. I saw the need for a bilingual school psychologist. In NYC we have a mass shortage so I start this august while teaching. As a special education teacher, I have first-hand experience in writing IEP's. My biggest issues with IEP's have been the initial ieps that have to much jargon for a parent or even at times a teacher needs to look up.

[@Babyluv_]

I'm in NYC too and transitioning from teacher to SP (next yr). My only issue is that my school doesn't have a SP but I don't wanna leave my school because my admin is wonderful!

[@TiffanyLee]

i feel like school psychologists play a big role in being that bridge and helping to clarify all of that jargon for teachers, admin, and families! we study for 3 full years to learn it all, especially all the acronyms, and can't expect others to understand and catch on to everything. my biggest hurdle with this has been families that speak languages other than english and really appreciate education lingo trained interpreters!

[@NamesTheseDays]

Congrats on completing your first year!!

[@TiffanyLee]

thank you steven!!

[@Schoolpsychb]

People skills are a must. Teacher buy in is necessary. I agree that grad school provides a great foundation for you to feel confident but nothing can prepare you for that interpersonal dynamic with school staff. I agree that when faced with barriers we learn real quick that systematic change is like making a turn with a cruise ship, aka, it’s going to take time. That sucks. Being in a system, seeing areas for improvement and knowing that there are key stakeholders and budgets involved to make a change sucks. That hurts me to my core because children are involved

[@mikerose5122]

Cool points think it’s cool you highlight some challenges but also show that you can get through it

[@s-tay9969]

Thank you for this video, it was very informative, I just got accepted into grad school for social work and now I have decided to pursue school psychology instead. I am taking a two year gap before applying for the school psychology program because mentally I need a break to prepare myself for the many commitments of grad school.

[@johannaalexander7306]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and being honest. Your videos are so helpful and relatable congratulations on getting through your first year 😊

[@TiffanyLee]

i appreciate your comment so much! 🧡

[@briellegard6983]

I have been so conflicted in what I want to do, first I wanted to be a teacher than I changed majors and wanted to become a mental health therapist, then a school counselor, than back to a teacher, now I'm stuck...I've never considered a school psychologist though and after watching this video I'm definitely intrigued. I always enjoyed writing papers and analyzing data in college, and I currently write so much for my work now, so writing is not a new thing for me

[@TiffanyLee]

You should definitely look into it! If you don’t mind writing and like working with kids and data, this might be the field for you ☺️ my dms are open if you have any questions!

[@shaybaeevolve119]

This was me and I'm still trying to narrow it down❤

[@alfredo-ie1gs]

I am sure you aren't as bad at writing as you think/thought. Imposter syndrome can be a hell of a thing :) Very informative video, thank you. I'm very intrigued by this field as I am passionate about education issues, but had no interest in being an actual teacher and def not in going into straight up politics or advocacy unless I had education field experience in the first place. Of course, I also love kids and psych.

[@thewrestlingpalace9989]

40-50 pages?? For school psychology program? Would this be for one assignment?

[@peterexperience]

Click reports look really cool. I love the automation for data and graphical outputs.

[@TiffanyLee]

i love it especially for tests that are newer to me!

[@shota4355]

Thank you so much for this. Right now I'm trying to get into University to do Bachelor in Psychology and these tips are really helpful since I also want to be a school psychologist as well. :) Even though I am really bad at english and communicating with others I'm sure I'll be able to manage :D.

[@TiffanyLee]

i think everyone is able to overcome shortcomings with their strengths! you also become more comfortable with your role with experience so if you're passionate about this field, i highly recommend it!

[@jiawenxian3785]

Thank you for all your tips and insights, I'm still debating on whether or not to become a SP because I really hate writing. I remembered that I was desperate when professors in college assigned papers of more than 3-5 pages length. I'm more of a science and math person and I'm a bit of an introvert. Like I can work well in a team with my coworkers but I'll be super awkward in front of clients. Anyhow thank you again for the videos, it really gives insights to how the field really is and whether or not it is suited for me.

[@Psykeded]

Yes I am like you. I am also an introvert and like a bit of math/business but I also liked psychology so I did double major in psych and finance/accounting so I can have many options just in case. Many introvert friendly jobs in finance. Psych can require more interaction but don’t worry if u really like it go for it there’s many introverts in school psych at least that I’ve seen and part of people skills is listening well which is something we do well in ♥️ goodluck to you

[@jiawenxian3785]

@@Psykeded Thank you for your encouragement. That was smart of you to do, I major in psych and minor in biology just in case I wanted to go into the med field. But I realized that I'm not interested in medicine, so my only option now is psychology which is a subject that I like in school. I hope you can get into the program that you want as well. Good luck to you too.

[@Psykeded]

@@jiawenxian3785 thank u It sounds like you are in the right track since it’s something you are interested. You will do great!

[@SK-rs6cu]

Hello. Have a BA psycho n been working over 10 years as primary school educator. Looking for distance learning internationally recognized for masters in child psychology

[@saidyhernandezzz]

What was the process after high school ? Like what classes did you take and what did you major in ?

[@mr.johnson8298]

Mrs. Lee! Thank you for creating your channel. I have been introduced to several amazing, black male school psychologist that I may have never been exposed to, had it not been for the awesome interviews and content you have created. I genuinely appreciate your transparency and allowing yourself to be vulnerable in relaying the realities of navigating the day to day as a school psychologist. I am considering a career as a school psychologist and was happy to hear that knowledge of school systems, comfortability with public speaking, collaboration and writing are all things that I am comfortable doing. Out of curiosity, was your internship paid? Were any of your grad cohort members working full time jobs while concurrently completing their education? If so, what were some of the positions that the single students occupied to support themselves while completing their programs? What are some important things, given that you are actually working in the field, that you believe a school psychologist grad program should have embedded in it to ensure successful matriculation into the actual job success (using your 20/20 hindsight based upon your personal experience)?

[@Musicsperfection09]

What masters did you do ? Does it have to be school psych or can it be counseling etc

[@creampuffy1905]

Thank you for all your insight on your first year as a school psych! Can you please do a video on how you prepare to present your findings at meetings???

[@TiffanyLee]

still something I'm working on myself but I can definitely share my tips and thoughts!

[@feliciam4790]

Are there ways to specialize in neuropsychology? What does that look like in the role?

[@ultrawaters3382]

what key theories, models or methods that is typically used in practice within this career path?

[@ag2158]

Hi I have a question, can school psychologists just do testing or do they also do a lot of therapy work with the students? How much do you communicate with parents? Is it kind of like a Psyd? Lastly, what master should someone get if they are interested in career counseling/academic advising? Thank you so much.

[@Musicsperfection09]

What are the requirements to apply for the masters

[@amandahenderson6145]

Sage advice same for teaching field

[@destinylucero9118]

As a school psychologist, do you stay at one school to retire, like teachers? Or is a school psychologist like a hired contract at different schools for periods of time?

[@TiffanyLee]

This totally depends on your district! I personally believe you would grow more as a professional if you have some degree of varied experience since school teams can run things so differently. In my area, we are hired by the district and placed at a school and we are able to request locations and schools. They like to see you at a school for at least 1-2 years because it can definitely take time to get to know your staff and get settled in. Some districts only have 1-2 SPs and they only do testing for all schools. It really depends!

[@jordancrowley8832]

I didn't get into grad school for school psychology but I did for school counseling

[@TiffanyLee]

i'm sorry about school psychology but big congrats on counseling!! they have many similarities and overlap and i personally think i could enjoy school counseling just as much. i would love to hear about what you decide- dm me on ig!

[@jackie.borrego]

these are all so real. I am so excited to step into my first year as an LSSP. TY for always sharing such real tips about our profession!

[@TiffanyLee]

thanks for your support 🧡🧡 you're going to crush it!!!!

[@dhenderson0786]

I would add how stressful the job is and the overwhelming workload. This job is so freaking stressful

[@audreyadelle110]

I'm a senior in undergrad and applying to grad school soon but having trouble deciding whether to go the school psych or school counseling route! Do you have any tips on choosing or know of any resources that might help me decide?

[@TiffanyLee]

I have a video on the differences between the two! There's a lot of overlap but some major differences that might help you choose your path. Feel free to DM me on ig if you have any specific questions 😊

[@bryangomez1384]

As a current school counselor, I hope you chose the school psychology path! Trust me lol

[@ladylieutenant27]

@@bryangomez1384 Why lol

[@brianarodriguez2901]

@@bryangomez1384 yeah why?

[@lauraasofia1]

I’m starting my internship in a month! I’m super nervous cause this state uses the cross battery system. Any tips?

[@TiffanyLee]

I found the essentials cross battery book really helpful! Also, lean on your internship supervisor and other school psychs in the district and ask lots of questions. It’s the perfect time to use the trainee card and build new relationships too. Do you know if they use x bass?

[@lauraasofia1]

@@TiffanyLee yes they do! I’m hoping it’s a straightforward system. I used it only once in grad school but it wasn’t enough practice I felt like. I have the cross battery book but I found it to be a helpful reference book.

[@kay6635]

@@lauraasofia1 Hi there, I've been super nervous about using XBASS too. I'm about to start my first year and in my internship only used dual discrepancy model. I've now done a few cross battery assessments during summer school. I do recommend asking questions, using the book she mentioned , and Jenny ponzuric has wonderful courses that have been insanely helpful for me

[@teannaeagle5723]

I'm fluent in English and still hate to write it. Working in a school with saxon phonics, I sit and take notes 🤣🤣😂. uugh English shouldn't be this complicated!

[@cuongtrancuong52]

Hay quá

[@feliperocha1987]

Do you think this worthes it for demanding so much money, time and efforts and many times not to be so well paid?

[@TiffanyLee]

People 100% don’t work in education for the money. It’s not worth it. BUT you do it for the kids and the impact you can make on the next generation. I also like that it’s a career and comes with a psychologist title. I think as long as you don’t get burned out and you find a placement with good work/life balance, it’s a great career!

[@aecnqewimnazxclwdxl]

40 to 50 page reports?!?! No one will ever read that. I question your trainers.

[@TiffanyLee]

We were in a psych clinic so they were clinical style reports which are typically that long :-( private practices tend to over test and over explain

[@aecnqewimnazxclwdxl]

@@TiffanyLee Private practitioners like to justify those bills, I guess!

[@philjonesfootball4696]

The fact that you're not aware of what you're getting involved in says alot 😂, but you'll be arie

[@TiffanyLee]

I’m sure there are plenty of people who apply for med school or law school not knowing certain aspects of the job. Hopefully this video is helpful for those applying to school psych programs so they know before committing tons of time and money

[@keithwisdom1663]

You didn't know school requires a lot of reading and writing??????? Writing in English???

[@user-oi9ej8bk4v]

of course she did dummy, she just underestimated how much there was. quit acting dense

[@NhungNguyen-ev6zl]

Hay quá