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Professional Identity and Organizations What comes to mind when you think of Professional Identity? Professional identity is an ongoing process which is initiated during your studies in the program. How we see ourselves with respect to knowledge, skills, involvement in the fields of psychology, education, and related areas, and our commitment to professional growth, is communicated to others and impacts each encounter. Our professional code of ethics is delineated by the National Association of School Psychologists [NASP]. Professionals conduct themselves and provide services in accordance with NASP standards. In our program ethical conduct is taken seriously: Violation of the professional code of ethics is grounds for dismissal from the program. The goal of our program is to provide the prospective professional with a foundation in theory, basic tools, and ways to seek out continuing education in order to enter the field of school psychology. In other words, the program initiates the learning process, however we need to continue our education past graduation and throughout our professional lifetimes. Similar to other professions, research plus experience in the field leads to technological growth and increased knowledge. In this manner the accountant (for example) and the school psychologist need to continue their professional development in order to increase their effectiveness as practicing professionals. Both work with systems in constant change. The tax accountant's practice is affected by changes in federal, state, and/or local laws. The school psychologist's practice is affected by new technology, laws, and the changing populations with different needs. Keeping current is imperative when working with systems in change. It is all too easy to become outdated and professionally alienated. The concept of professional currency captures our activities and efforts to "keep up" on the what's happening in the field, broaden our knowledge and interests, and most of all maintain our spark. Professional identity, ethical conduct, and the need to keep current are critical to the school psychologist's career. However, the question is: "How does the new professional continue to learn?" This question is easily answered by the phrase: participate & read quotient [PRQ]. Professional associations aim to inform practicing school psychologists and graduate students of current research and issues within the field of education and applied psychology via their professional activities and their free publications (e.g., journals). They also serve as a means to establish and maintain communication nationally and abroad, to share ideas and support one another, to promote ethical and effective practices in the field, and to enhance professional growth. Professional associations also impact federal, state and local laws, policies and practices. Presenting at state or national conferences is an exciting opportunity to share and inform your colleagues of new developments in research, interventions and/or programs in the field. By participating in these types of activities, you are laying your own groundwork as a school psychologist, as well as developing your professional identity in the eyes of colleagues. Establishing good reading habits enables you to perform at your optimum. Regular reading habits are strongly encouraged while in school to enable you to better understand many of the issues and events discussed in classes. Unlike becoming a junk food addict, becoming a journal addict is beneficial to your professional health and promotion of ethical practice. Your PRQ is vital to your professional identity and currency, your delivery of services, and the growth of the field of school psychology. Establish your PRQ now. |
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| *SPSA |
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| *SANDCASP |
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| *CASP |
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| CACD |
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| CAAML |
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| CABE |
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| CSPA |
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| SIP |
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| *NASP |
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| NABE |
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| NHPA |
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| NAME |
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| APA Div. 16 |
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| APA Div. 45 |
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| APA |
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| ABPSY |
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| AAPA |
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American Council on Education
[ACE] American Psychological
Association [APA] American Society for Counseling
and Development [ASCD] Asian American Psychologist
Association [AAPA] Association of African American Educators Association of Black Psychologists
[ABPsy] Society of Indian Psychologists
[SIP] California Association
for Bilingual Education [CABE] California Association
for Counseling and Development [CACD] California Association
for Mediated Learning (CAAML) California Association
of School Psychologists [CASP] California State Psychological
Association [CSPA] California Teachers of
English to Speakers of Other Languages [CATESOL] Council for Exceptional
Children [CEC] International Association
of Applied Psychology [IAAP] International School Psychologists
Association [ISPA] ISPA-Secretariat National Association for
Bilingual Education [NABE] National Association for
Multicultural Education [NAME] National Association of
School Psychologists [NASP] National Hispanic Psychological
Association [NHPA] San Diego Association
for Mediated Learning (SANDCAAML) San Diego County Association
of School Psychologists [SANDCASP] Teachers of English to
Speakers of Other Languages [TESOL] |
