The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Credit: Joshua Woods / Unsplash.com)
The week of Nov. 11 will be used to focus on the hard work and dedication of school psychologists.
U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Judy Chu (CA-28), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate the week of Nov. 11 as National School Psychology Week, honoring the vital role school psychologists play in the well-being and success of students nationwide. Each day, over 35,000 school psychologists stand on the frontlines in our schools, providing the critical support students need to thrive both academically and emotionally. National School Psychology Week is a testament to their dedication and tireless work in shaping a brighter future for our children.
“Our school psychologists are the unsung heroes of our schools, guiding our children through some of the most challenging and formative years of their lives,” said Fitzpatrick. “In our [Pennsylvania’s first district] community, we are fortunate to have some of the best school psychologists, who do so much more than support academic achievement—they build resilience, inspire confidence, and nurture hope.”
Fitzpatrick noted the hard work that these dedicated employees put in day in, and day out.
“Their work empowers students to recognize and realize their fullest potential, helping them overcome obstacles and thrive. That’s why I’m proud to join Rep. Chu and Rep. Panetta in this effort to formally acknowledge the irreplaceable role of school psychologists, especially as our nation grapples with a critical shortage of these dedicated professionals, who are essential to the success and well-being of our future generations,” he said.
“As a constituent of Rep Fitzpatrick, I am beyond grateful for how he champions increased access to school mental health services and how he and his colleagues value School Psychologists. He cares and recognizes that our students across the nation are in the midst of a youth mental health crisis, and works tirelessly for bipartisan solutions to equip and empower school psychologists to intervene and help our students heal. During National School Psychology Week, we are so appreciative of this recognition for the hard “heart” work that we do every day, and commit to continued collaboration and problem solving to help our children and youth thrive,” said Dr. Julia Szarko, 2021 National School Psychologist of the Year and Abington School District School Psychologist.
“With two decades of experience teaching psychology at community colleges, I know how integral school psychologists are to addressing the ongoing mental health issues in America, nurturing our children, and setting them up for success in life,” said Rep. Chu (CA-28). “I'm proud to join Rep. Fitzpatrick and Rep. Panetta in formally recognizing these overworked, underpaid essential workers and the important role they play in providing our children with the mental health supports and services needed to thrive.”
“Young people are facing increasing pressures and challenges both in and out of the classroom,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution to honor the dedicated school psychologists who help students navigate academic demands, emotional challenges, and their future endeavors. As Members of Congress and as parents, the least we can do is show our appreciation for their meaningful work, which strengthens the well-being of students and our communities.”
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), representing over 25,000 professionals who support students, educators, and families, strongly supports this resolution. NASP is the world's largest organization of school psychologists and works to advance effective practices to improve students' learning, behavior, and mental health as part of their mission to ensure children and youth thrive in school, at home, and throughout their life.
"The National Association of School Psychologists and our 24,000+ members across the United States thank Reps. Fitzpatrick, Chu, and Panetta for their support of school psychologists and their critical work in our schools and communities. This resolution designating National School Psychology Week calls upon us all to celebrate the ways that school psychologists help students and their families spark discovery and thrive throughout life. We look forward to continuing our work with these leaders in Congress to address the nationwide shortage of school psychologists so we can meet the needs of all children,” said Dr. Peter Faustino, President of National Association of School Psychologists.
