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

Five faculty, 43 graduate students and eight alumni from St. John’s University’s School Psychology Program traveled to New Orleans 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 Resilience: Building Strength for Life.

St. John’s faculty and graduate students delivered an impressive total of 18 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.

Chelsea Grefe, a graduate student in the School Psychology doctoral program, said that attending the 2008 NASP Annual Convention helped her gain greater insight into the field of school psychology and gave her the opportunity to converse with other professionals in the field.  Grefe attended many of the informative sessions offered, including one on suicide prevention and school mental health.

“I was also extremely impressed with a web-based documentary on high school seniors during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  The students’ resilience, despite the growing devastation around them, was inspiring.  They remind us that, as future practitioners, although we are taught to guide and lead students through their academic career, we must be conscious of what we can learn from them as well." 

Although students and faculty from the School Psychology Program have been attending the NASP annual conventions since the 1980s, the 2008 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.

“The number and quality of faculty and student presentations this year were truly impressive,” remarked St. John’s Associate Professor Mark Terjesen, Ph.D., Director of Graduate Programs in School Psychology. “We have always had a strong presence at NASP and other professional conferences, and the strength of our program was demonstrated in the number of presentations accepted.  The practice of school psychology is only as good as the science on which it stands.  I believe that our students and faculty represent the best, most current science.”

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. Mark Terjesen, Program Director, at terjesem@stjohns.edu or (718) 990-5861.