Orange County Association of School Psychologists

As the 2009-2010 OCASP President, I’m excited about the journey ahead. Yes, the California budget seems dim, but as those who know me personally, I like to look ahead and focus on the good to come. At a leadership advance for my district this summer, we discussed our leadership roles in our schools and how to respond to adversity. As School Psychologists, we are change agents, correct? So, my advice is to assess the resources we already have at our schools and look for ways to maximize the potential for improved academic and behavioral interventions. At the same time, take the opportunity to improve relationships between students and teachers, colleagues, and parents.

The truth is, as I started this school year, I began to re-evaluate myself (my health, my family, and my priorities). This past summer, I began my interest in running, which I credit to my friend who signed me up for a half marathon because she thought it would give us momentum to get back into shape postpartum. What I discovered from the daily running and training was a calmness and release of tension and stress, which hovered over me that particular day. Completing the half marathon gave me the energy to find new challenges to rise up to.

Just like the body needs to warm up, the brain does as well. Now we’re getting into the groove of the school year and many of us, again, are becoming acclimated to the busy work day filled with consulting, observations, assessments, and IEPs after IEPs. That first week of work, my brain took a few days to warm up to the average jargon we go through (standard score this, RTI that, Ed Code this, etc.), but once my brain awoke from its slumber, the good old neural pathways began to revive their connections and the passion for our profession filled me with excitement for this school year.

Feelings of excitement or anticipation about our profession can be an approach we all have this school year and for the future. Again, as School Psychologists we are change agents. We can make positive changes happen especially in the lives of students with special needs. That, in my opinion, says a lot about how important we are in schools. That is exciting!

But wait, something I think we need to remember as mental health professionals is taking care of ourselves. We work so hard and sometimes, we forget about our own needs. I found that exercising helps me deal with work related stress.

Find what works for you…find that healthy balance between your own lifestyle and work, and fire up those neural pathways. At a time where limited resources can seem disheartening, do not let it hinder our pursuit for better education. Rather, it is a time to be creative, proactive, and Rise Up to the Challenge!

“Adapt, Preserve, Overcome…”. Words of wisdom borrowed from my district’s Leadership Advance.