March 29, 2024
Updated May 12, 2025
15 minute read
Embarking on a Career as a School Psychologist
School psychologists are vital members of educational teams, dedicated to helping students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. These professionals apply their expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to create supportive learning environments. They collaborate with students, families, educators, and administrators to foster connections between home, school, and the community. The work of a school psychologist is multifaceted, involving not only direct support and interventions for students but also consultation with teachers and parents to improve support strategies.
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Reading list
We've selected some books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
School Psychologist.
Another widely used textbook, this book offers a balanced approach to educational psychology, integrating theory, research, and practical applications for the classroom. It covers key topics comprehensively and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students seeking a solid foundation in the field.
A widely used and well-regarded textbook covering physical, cognitive, and social development from childhood through adolescence. It provides a solid and comprehensive overview of the field, suitable for undergraduate courses. The book is known for its clear writing style and engaging presentation.
This foundational text synthesizes research on learning from various disciplines, including cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychology. It explores how people learn effectively and provides insights into designing more effective learning environments. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the science of learning.
An introductory textbook that covers the major areas of psychology, including biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology. Written in a clear and engaging style, this book great starting point for students who are new to psychology.
Presents compelling case studies of children who have experienced trauma, illustrating the profound impact of early experiences on development. It's highly relevant for understanding the effects of adversity and provides a deeper, more applied understanding of child psychology. Suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals.
This handbook offers in-depth reviews and syntheses of research across foundational and emerging areas in educational psychology. It valuable reference for graduate students, researchers, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of specific topics and current research trends. is more suitable for those with some existing knowledge of the field.
This textbook is designed to provide a foundation in educational psychology specifically for pre-service teachers. It connects psychological principles to practical teaching strategies and classroom scenarios. It's a good resource for those beginning their study of educational psychology with a focus on teaching applications.
While aimed at parents, this book offers valuable insights into the neurological development of children in an accessible way. It's highly relevant for understanding the biological underpinnings of child behavior and provides practical strategies. It's a useful supplementary reading for students and professionals alike, bridging theory and application.
Challenges conventional wisdom about raising children based on scientific research. It delves into various contemporary topics, offering a thought-provoking perspective on issues like praise, sleep, and aggression. It's accessible and provides valuable supplementary reading for anyone interested in current child psychology research.
Focusing specifically on the adolescent period, this book provides an in-depth examination of the physical, cognitive, and social development during this crucial stage. It's essential for those interested in this specific age range and offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary research and issues relevant to adolescence.
This influential book introduces the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets and their impact on learning and achievement. While not solely focused on educational psychology, its exploration of beliefs about intelligence and ability is highly relevant to understanding student motivation and fostering a positive learning environment. It's an accessible read with broad applicability.
This handbook focuses specifically on the intersection of educational psychology and special education. It provides expertise on factors and processes relevant to learning for students with diverse needs. It's a valuable resource for those interested in inclusive education and supporting learners with disabilities.
This textbook covers core areas of educational psychology, providing a solid introduction to the key theories and research. It's a suitable resource for undergraduate students seeking a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Focuses on the key concepts and theories in child development, providing a strong theoretical foundation. It helps students understand the underlying principles of the field and how theories are applied in research. It's a valuable resource for deepening theoretical understanding, suitable for undergraduate students.
Explores attachment theory, a crucial concept in child psychology, within the context of therapeutic practice. It's highly relevant for those interested in clinical child psychology and provides a deeper understanding of how early relationships impact development and later well-being. It's suitable for graduate students and professionals.
Explores the connection between a parent's own history and their parenting style, drawing on neuroscience and attachment theory. It provides valuable insights into the intergenerational transmission of patterns and is highly relevant for understanding the parent-child dynamic. Suitable for parents and professionals.
Motivation core area of educational psychology. provides a comprehensive overview of theories and research on motivation in educational settings, discussing factors that influence student engagement, goals, and achievement. It's a key text for those specializing in motivation or seeking to understand how to foster it in learners.
Provides an overview of key topics in educational psychology with a focus on applied practice. It explores how psychological principles are used to address real-world issues in education. It's a good resource for understanding the practical relevance of the field.
A highly practical book offering communication strategies for improving relationships with children. While not a textbook, it's a widely recommended resource for parents and professionals working with children, providing applied child psychology principles. It's accessible and directly relevant to the practical aspects of child psychology.
Explores the application of cognitive psychology principles to instructional design and practice. It delves into topics such as memory, problem-solving, and transfer of learning, providing a deeper understanding of how students process information and how instruction can be optimized. It's suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
A foundational text in child psychology, this book presents Piaget's groundbreaking theories on cognitive development. While dense and theoretical, it is essential for understanding the historical context and core concepts of how children's thinking develops. It is more valuable as a classic reference than a contemporary guide, suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students.
This handbook focuses on the application of positive psychology principles in educational settings. It explores topics such as student well-being, resilience, and character strengths, offering insights into fostering positive youth development. It's relevant for educators and researchers interested in promoting student mental health and flourishing.
This concise book offers a brief but informative overview of key topics in child psychology. It's an excellent starting point for those new to the field or looking for a quick introduction to core concepts. It's highly accessible and provides a good foundation for further study.
A foundational work by a highly influential psychologist, this book presents Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory of development, emphasizing the role of social interaction and culture in learning. While a classic, it requires careful reading and may be best appreciated by those with some background in psychology or education theory. It's essential for understanding the historical development of the field.
Provides a practical guide to developing emotional intelligence, which is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. Emotional intelligence key component of SEL, as it helps individuals to build strong relationships and to resolve conflict peacefully.
Provides practical advice for parents and educators on how to help teenagers thrive during adolescence. It covers topics such as how to communicate with teenagers, how to set limits, and how to support teenagers through difficult times.
A student-friendly introduction to cognitive psychology, which covers topics such as attention, memory, language, and problem-solving. The book is written in a clear and concise style and includes helpful diagrams and examples.
While a broader developmental psychology text, Bronfenbrenner's work, particularly his ecological systems theory, has been highly influential in educational psychology's understanding of how various environmental contexts impact child development and learning. provides foundational knowledge on child and adolescent development.
A more accessible version of Dweck's work on mindset, often aimed at a broader audience including parents and younger learners. It reinforces the concept of a growth mindset and its importance for learning and overcoming challenges. It can be a good supplementary read for understanding the core ideas of mindset.
Considered a classic in the field, this book explores children's natural learning processes and critiques traditional schooling methods. While older, it offers timeless insights into fostering genuine curiosity and intrinsic motivation in learners. It's more valuable as a historical and philosophical text than a current reference.
Provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the developing brain of a child. It offers practical strategies for parents and educators to help children develop their social-emotional skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of human development across the lifespan, from infancy to old age. It covers topics such as physical development, cognitive development, emotional development, and social development. It is written by a leading expert in the field and is based on the latest research.
A classic work on the psychology of learning, which helped to establish the behaviorist school of psychology. is recommended for advanced students and researchers interested in the history of psychology and the psychology of learning.
A comprehensive handbook that covers the major topics in thinking and reasoning, including problem-solving, decision-making, and creativity. The book also includes helpful case studies and exercises.
Explores the relationship between happiness and success. It provides practical tips for developing a positive mindset, which is essential for SEL.
Provides a step-by-step guide to developing mindfulness. Mindfulness key component of SEL, as it helps individuals to focus on the present moment and to reduce stress.
Provides a framework for developing emotional agility, which is the ability to navigate difficult emotions and to adapt to change. Emotional agility key component of SEL, as it helps individuals to build resilience and to cope with stress.
Provides a comprehensive overview of adolescent sexuality, covering topics such as the development of sexual identity, the development of sexual relationships, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. It is written by a leading expert in the field and is based on the latest research.
Explores the importance of self-acceptance and vulnerability. The principles of this book are based on SEL, such as self-awareness, self-compassion, and authenticity.
Explores the importance of vulnerability and how it can lead to greater courage, connection, and creativity. The principles of this book are based on SEL, such as self-awareness, self-acceptance, and resilience.
Explores the strengths and challenges of introversion. The principles of this book are based on SEL, such as self-awareness, self-acceptance, and empathy.
Explores the importance of personal growth and spiritual development. The principles of this book are based on SEL, such as self-awareness, self-acceptance, and resilience.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
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