Faculty and Students Attend National Association of School Psychologists Annual Convention

Faculty and Students from School Psychology Program Attend the National Association of School Psychologists Annual Convention

Four faculty, 47 graduate students and four alumni from St. John’s University’s School Psychology Program traveled to Boston to attend the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) annual convention.

The NASP Convention attracts a large number of school psychologists each year, both graduate students and academics, to network and present the latest research in the field.  This year’s program included lectures, symposia, workshops, roundtable discussions, and oral and poster presentations. The theme was “Taking Strides to Make a Difference.”

St. John’s faculty, alumni, and graduate students delivered an impressive total of 26 presentations on their newest research in the field of school psychology. This level of participation and the quality of the presentations and research highlights the outstanding work currently being conducted at St. John’s University.

Betsey Juarez, who is in her second year of the School Psychology Psy.D., program, says she thoroughly enjoyed attending and presenting at the conference.

“It's a great experience to become a part of the field on a greater scale than one might experience at St. John’s alone.  It's also nice to see that St. John’s plays a fairly significant role in school psychology, as can be seen by all our faculty and students who present and attend, as well as by the recognition our professors receive from other leaders in school psychology.”

Although students and faculty from the School Psychology Program have been attending the NASP annual conventions since the 1980s, the 2009 Convention marked the highest number of research projects accepted from St. John’s.  Applicants throughout the nation submit their research for an opportunity to present at NASP because the Convention is prestigious, honoring the critical role of school psychology.  To be accepted as a presenter at this nationally recognized conference is an honor for any participant.

“As NASP is the professional organization most identified with the field of school psychology, it is again quite encouraging to see such a large contingency of St. John’s University faculty, students, and alumni presenting at and attending the conference,” remarked St. John’s Associate Professor Mark Terjesen, Ph.D., Graduate Programs in School Psychology. “Every year, faculty and school psychologists from around the country comment on the St. John’s presence at NASP. The fact that many of our students and graduates continue to present their scholarly work is reflective of the recognition of the high caliber students we have and the excellent training provided by our program. “

School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.  They work with educators, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments for all students that will strengthen connections between home and school.

For more information about the graduate programs in School Psychology, please contact Dr. Dawn Flanagan, Program Director, at flanagad@stjohns.edu or (718) 990-1551.