The best days of our lives. School days, that is. Or at least, that’s what grown-ups told us at the time.
Of course, it was only long after we’d left for the ‘real world’ that we realised the big people had been telling the truth.
For some kids, however, school days can be a real challenge.
A whole range of emotional and social problems can put many youngsters at a disadvantage. For others, learning difficulties can threaten their enjoyment and success.
This is where, like kids’ favourite comic heroes, educational psychologists leap into action.
If there is a concern about the development, learning or behaviour of children, they will be called upon to share their expertise.
These professionals work alongside teachers, doctors and parents to help transform the experience of children with a variety of difficulties such as ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia and many more.
Through observation, interviews and assessment they can identify the needs of a child and set out a suitable learning programme.
As well as offering direct assistance to the child, psychologists also have a wider role in offering support, training and advice to teachers, parents and the community. They can also use their experience to help shape education policy.
In Scotland, pay scales are set out by the Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT). Educational Psychologists working for a local authority earn roughly between £41,000 and £52,000. This can rise to between £54,000 and £63,000 for Senior or Principal Educational Psychologists.
Typically, the job will be based at a central office but you will spend time visiting various schools.
It goes without saying first rate communication skills are a must as you will be dealing with kids with complex needs. However, you’ll also work in a team alongside other professionals such as teachers and doctors.
To become registered, you’ll need a degree in Psychology followed by an accredited Masters in Educational Psychology followed by the British Psychological Society (BPS) Award in Educational Psychology.
On qualifying, most Educational Psychologists are employed by Scotland’s 32 local authorities and will work in nurseries, schools, colleges and special units. You could also find yourself based in a hospital, either in a child psychiatric unit or a paediatric assessment unit.
It’s a big commitment in terms of training and dedication . . . but it’s also a highly rewarding job for super heroes.
If you’re interested in opportunities in Educational Psychology, see what’s new at s1jobs.