The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) has designated November 7–11, 2022, to be National School Psychology Week (NSPW), with the theme “Together We Shine.” Schools around the country are being asked to highlight the role of school psychologists and schoolbased services in promoting student success.

School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They are also important members of school safety and crisis teams.

“I am proud to see how our community of school psychologists have supported their students, families, and fellow educators during difficult times,” shares NASP President Celeste Malone. “School psychologists work every day to enhance the connections between students, schools, and the evidence-based practices that help them thrive.”

This year’s NSPW theme, “Together We Shine,” honors the hope we feel after several challenging years and emphasizes the power of our collective efforts to overcome difficulties to ensure that all our students can thrive in school, at home, and in life. Throughout the week, schools across the country will be taking part in events and activities designed to highlight how school psychologists, teachers, and other school personnel work with students and families to reestablish their sense of being valued parts of a greater whole. While we all have our own individual strengths and attributes, we shine even brighter when we all bring our ideas and actions together to uplift the community. Through collaboration, we can empower students and adults to find purpose and possibility, all while fostering resilience. This is especially important for those who are or who feel marginalized, unrecognized, or at risk.

“I hope National School Psychology Week will help us all better understand the importance of affirming and including individual identities as part of the whole,” says Malone. “This is particularly critical for historically marginalized and minoritized students and adults, many of whom have been disproportionately affected by the hardships we have seen in recent years. I know that working together, our school communities can use the collective power of hope to build a brighter future.”

As part of National School Psychology Week, Ericka Kotab at Wagner Community School will be adapting resources and activities provided by NASP to share how students can shine both together and as individuals. For example, she will be hosting a Mindful Communication in Schools workshop for educators on Wednesday evening and visiting high school classrooms to share information about the profession of school psychology.

About NASP: The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) represents 25,000 school psychologists throughout the United States and abroad. NASP empowers school psychologists to promote the learning, behavior, and mental health of all children and youth.