The National Association of School Psychologists Program Approval Review Board has announced the UTC School Psychology Program received full approval status. A notification letter stated the UTC program met all of the standards of the Program Approval Review Board and congratulated the University for its “efforts to develop a strong program.”
Gaining full approval status has benefits for students in the UTC program. Graduates of approved programs who achieve a satisfactory score on the Praxis examination in School Psychology are able to use a “fast track” process in applying to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists. With the designation as Nationally Certified School Psychologists, they will be at an advantage in becoming certified to practice in schools across the country.
“Our graduates were already certified and working in schools all across the country, including Tennessee and Georgia. Becoming a fully approved program simply made it easier for them to seek jobs wherever they wish,” said School Psychology faculty member Dr. George Helton.
Currently, 29 state departments of education across the United States recognize the Nationally Certified School Psychologist designation as an indication of quality training and ease the process of attaining certification for those holding this designation.
A faculty team including Drs. Pamela Guess, George Helton, Ted Miller and Jim Tucker wrote the application to gain full approval status. The team was assisted by graduate assistants and additional faculty and staff in the College of Education, Health and Professional Studies.
