Possibilities in Action Partners: Union Recognizes School Psychologists

Story by Brandon Harrower, NCSP
Lead Certified School Psychologist
Union Public Schools

Photos submitted by Donna Foster, Certified School Psychologist

Last month was National School Psychology Week (NSPW), during which the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) pushes out information to spread awareness of who school psychologists are and what role they play within the school system. Union Public Schools employs a team of certified school psychologists and psychometrists to support students’ academic, behavioral, and mental health needs. While NSPW is designed around advocacy for their profession, school psychologists everywhere take the opportunity to recognize strong partnerships within their communities.

For the past nine years, the school psychology team at Union Public Schools has nominated two individuals to receive the ‘Possibilities in Action Partner’ award each November. These partners lower barriers for learning, recognize individual student needs, connect personally with students and families, and contribute to a positive school climate. The school psychology team brings nominations from both elementary and secondary sites, recognizing the impact of educators, support staff, administrators, and even parents across all grade levels.

This year, for the first time, the team selected an entire group of individuals at the elementary level to recognize their outstanding efforts to support their students. The teachers at the Rosa Parks Early Childhood Education Center were selected as the elementary recipients of the award. Several members of the school psychology team joined to celebrate these incredible advocates for children.

Stephanie Dodge, one of the district’s lead certified school psychologists, said: “The teachers at the Rosa Parks Early Childhood Center go above and beyond to individualize instruction for our youngest learners! All are welcome in their classrooms. They come together as a team and support each other by brainstorming ways to help all children be successful! They have welcomed children full time into their classrooms with open arms, including those who are non-verbal, those with Down Syndrome, children who are blind and neurodiverse. Working with this team is so uplifting on a daily basis!”

Rosa Parks ECEC Receiving the Possibilities in Action Partner Recognition from the Union School Psychology Team

The award recipient at the secondary level was Mrs. Kayla Dean, Educational Resource Behavior teacher at the Union 6^th and 7^th Grade Center. Sheri Agostini, certified school psychologist and long-time coworker and friend, shared this information about Mrs. Dean and why she was a deserving recipient of the recognition as a Possibilities in Action Partner: “I have worked with Kayla for 10 years. She is always willing to do whatever it takes for the students (regular education or special education). I have watched her teach special education math and wished she had been my teacher when I was in school. She makes it fun and understandable. Kayla forms relationships with students, parents, staff, and administration. She has a kind heart and would do anything to help. Kayla is currently working on getting her Certified School Psychologist certification in Oklahoma. Because of her background in special education and we have worked together for so long, she already knows what being a school psychologist is like in the real world.

"As she has worked on projects, she has asked for my input and assistance to make sure she is on the right track. She recently returned from maternity leave and accepted the position of an Educational Resource teacher for students with behavioral needs. Even though she has never had this position, she jumped right in to make sure that the students were getting their needs met. She organized the paraprofessionals for maximum support, she contacted the previous teacher for insights, she created her own behavior forms and check sheets. She is a wonderful organizer and has put the program on the right track. Kayla has been a superb teacher and will be a superb school psychologist. I am retiring at the end of this year, and I know that the staff and students in our building will be in good hands.”

Kayla Dean Receiving the Possibilities in Action Partner Recognition from the Union School Psychology Team

School psychologists play an invaluable role in schools, and at a time when students, parents, and educators are feeling the pressure, they also recognize just how important strong partnerships and collaboration are to ensuring success. The Union School Psychology Team, which is the first recipient of the Excellence in School Psychological Services (ESPS) recognition in the entire State of Oklahoma, wishes to thank these individuals for all they do, every day, to act as agents of change in the lives of students, families, and colleagues. Their information was also submitted to the NASP website for recognition beyond Union’s borders.

For more information of the role of certified school psychologists in Oklahoma, check out this infographic on the Oklahoma School Psychological Association’s website.