We Do More Than Test Kids: Why School Psychologists Deserve Their Flowers

Celebrating National School Psychology Week

Let's get one thing straight: School psychologists do WAY more than administer tests, attend meetings, and write reports.

And since it's National School Psychology Week, I think it's time we had a little conversation about that! Every November, we take a week to recognize the contributions of school psychologists across the country. For some, it's a week of appreciation posts, a few thoughtful emails, maybe some snacks in the faculty lounge (if we're lucky), and a nice graphic on the district's social media page.

And listen, we appreciate all of that!

But here's my question: Do people truly understand what they're celebrating?

Because if we're being honest, school psychologists are some of the most essential, yet frequently overlooked, professionals working in our schools.

And I think it's time we changed that narrative.

So, What Exactly Does a School Psychologist Do?

I'm glad you asked!

Contrary to popular belief, we don't spend our entire day sitting in a quiet office giving IQ tests. Although, let's be clear, some days it certainly feels that way! School psychologists wear MANY hats. We are evaluators, consultants, problem-solvers, advocates, collaborators, crisis responders, and sometimes the person everyone calls when nobody else knows what to do.

We help schools understand how students learn, behave, communicate, and navigate their emotions. We work alongside teachers to identify strategies that support students who are struggling academically, behaviorally, or socially. We help families understand their children's strengths and needs, often translating complicated educational terminology into conversations that actually make sense. We support schoolwide systems, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), positive behavioral interventions, mental health initiatives, and special education processes. And perhaps most importantly, we remind people that behind every evaluation, every referral, and every data point is an actual CHILD.

A child with strengths, challenges, dreams, feelings, and a story that deserves to be understood.

That part of our work should never be forgotten.

We Are More Than the People Who Determine Eligibility

Now, let me say something that might make a few people uncomfortable.

School psychology is NOT synonymous with special education testing.

Yes, psychoeducational evaluations are an important part of our responsibilities. Yes, we contribute to eligibility decisions. And yes, our reports can provide valuable information about how students learn. But our profession was never intended to exist solely within the walls of special education.

We are trained in psychology, learning, behavior, mental health, consultation, prevention, and systems-level practices. Our expertise belongs in general education classrooms, leadership meetings, school improvement conversations, and discussions about student wellness. We should be involved BEFORE a student reaches the point of crisis.

We should be consulted BEFORE interventions have failed for months. And we should be included when schools are making decisions that directly affect children's learning and well-being.

I've said it before, and I'll continue saying it: MTSS WILL WORK, WHEN WE DO.

But that requires meaningful collaboration, appropriate resources, and a willingness to listen to the professionals trained to support these systems. School psychologists shouldn't have to fight for a seat at a table where our expertise is already needed.

Let's Talk About the Invisible Work

Here's something that doesn't always make it into the job description.

The emotional weight of being a school psychologist.

We sit in meetings where parents are frustrated, teachers are overwhelmed, and administrators are looking for immediate solutions to complicated problems. We navigate difficult conversations, competing expectations, extensive paperwork, and deadlines that sometimes feel like they're chasing us down the hallway. And somewhere in the middle of all that, we're expected to remain calm, professional, empathetic, and solution-focused.

Oh, and don't forget those reports that were due yesterday!

But seriously, this profession requires a tremendous amount of emotional labor. There are days when we advocate for a child and nobody sees it. Days when we spend hours helping a parent understand their child's educational needs. Days when we challenge a decision because we know it isn't in a student's best interest. And days when we go home mentally exhausted, wondering whether we did enough.

Yet we return because we understand the importance of our work.

Not every victory comes with applause. Sometimes the victory is a child finally feeling understood.

And that matters.

Representation Matters in School Psychology, Too

As a Black male school psychologist, this part of the conversation will always be personal to me. Representation in our profession matters. It matters when a Black boy sees someone who looks like him working in a profession centered on education, mental health, and advocacy. It matters when families who have historically felt misunderstood or marginalized within educational systems encounter professionals who understand their cultural experiences. And it matters when students see that intelligence, compassion, leadership, and emotional awareness come in many different forms.

But representation isn't just about race or gender.

It's about creating a profession that reflects the diversity of the students and communities we serve. It's about ensuring that different perspectives are welcomed, cultural responsiveness is practiced, and equity becomes more than a statement in a district improvement plan.

We need more diversity in school psychology.

We need more voices at the table.

And we need to continue encouraging the next generation of school psychologists to enter this field knowing that their identities, experiences, and perspectives have value.

Appreciation Shouldn't Be Limited to One Week

Now, don't get me wrong.

I LOVE a good celebration!

Give me the appreciation post, the schoolwide recognition, the thoughtful message, and yes, I'll even take a cupcake!

But appreciation must go beyond a designated week on the calendar. Real appreciation looks like respecting our professional expertise. It looks like manageable caseloads, appropriate staffing, access to professional development, competitive compensation, and supportive leadership. It looks like including school psychologists in meaningful conversations about student achievement, school climate, mental health, and educational equity. It also looks like recognizing that we are human beings who deserve the same compassion and understanding we extend to others.

You cannot continuously ask school psychologists to support everyone's mental health while ignoring their own.

And that's a conversation worth having long after National School Psychology Week ends.

To My Fellow School Psychologists: This One Is for You!

To the school psychologist finishing a report late at night...

To the one navigating a difficult meeting while trying to keep the focus on the student...

To the one who is the only school psychologist in the building, or sometimes across several buildings...

To the one who has questioned whether they still love this profession...

And to the new school psychologist who is still trying to figure out how to do everything without feeling completely overwhelmed...

I see you. I celebrate you. And I appreciate you.

Your work matters, even when nobody says thank you.

Your advocacy matters, even when people push back.

Your presence matters, even when your contributions aren't immediately recognized.

And your voice matters, especially when you're willing to use it to challenge practices that aren't serving children.

We don't always get everything right. We're still learning, growing, and evolving as professionals. But the heart of this work should always remain the same: doing what's best for students.

One Last Thing...

If you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or community member reading this, I want to encourage you to take a moment this week to acknowledge a school psychologist. Not just because it's our designated week, but because you understand the value of what we bring to schools. Ask us about our work. Invite us into meaningful conversations. Learn what school psychologists actually do. And most importantly, respect the expertise we bring to the educational process. Because when school psychologists are supported, students, families, teachers, and entire school communities benefit.

So, to every school psychologist out there, HAPPY NATIONAL SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY WEEK!

May your reports be completed, your meetings be productive, your coffee stay warm, and your contributions NEVER go unnoticed!

And remember...

We are more than test administrators. We are advocates, problem-solvers, change agents, and champions for children.

And that, my friends, is worth celebrating.

— What The Psych?

Let's keep the conversation going: School psychologists, what's ONE thing you wish more people understood about our profession?