WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, October 21, 2022, U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing the week of November 7, 2022, as National School Psychology Week. The resolution seeks to honor more than 35,000 school psychologists nationwide for their work in providing a supportive and encouraging learning environment for all students.

“School psychologists work tirelessly to ensure our children are provided with the tools and resources they need to thrive, and they deserve our continued support,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to introduce this resolution alongside Rep. Panetta to reinforce and recognize the vital role our school psychologist play in the everyday lives and success of students across the United States. Additionally, I want to thank Dr. Szarko of Doylestown for her commitment to our students and our community, and I congratulate her on her success as the National School Psychologist of the Year.”

“Our students continue to face mental health challenges, and rely on our school psychologists to address learning and behavioral health needs,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to introduce this Congressional resolution, which recognizes our school psychologists for the work they do in helping our students remain focused and support success.  This resolution celebrates these mental health professionals and reminds us as Members of Congress of the need to fund these critical positions and support their work.”

This resolution is supported by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), which represents more than 25,000 school psychologists who work with students, educators, and families to support the academic achievement, positive behavior, and mental wellness of all students, especially those who struggle with barriers to learning.

“The National Association of School Psychologists and our 24,000+ members are grateful to Congressman Fitzpatrick and Congressman Panetta for their continued support of school psychologists in their districts and across the country. This resolution recognizing November 7-11 as National School Psychology Week is a testament to the incredible and important work of school psychologists in our schools and communities. We are critical members of schools’ mental health support staff and help all students shine and thrive together. We look forward to continuing our work with Congress to address the shortage of school psychologists and other mental health professionals so we can meet the needs of all students,” said Celeste Malone, President of the National Association of School Psychologists.

Dr. Julia Szarko, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, was named the 2021 National School Psychologist of the Year for her work as a school psychologist in the Central Bucks School District.

“Being a school psychologist is not just a career choice, it is a calling that is honorable, rewarding, impactful, meaningful, and difference-making. This job is not for the lighthearted; it requires carrying the weight of what we face day to day to meet the mental health needs of our students and break down the many barriers to learning, especially these past two years. It requires digging deep at times to get through overwhelming deadlines and demands, an urgency to meet children’s needs, and resolving the difference between best practices in school psychology and the state of the reality of the ‘real world.’ For me and I know many of my fellow school psychologists, it’s finding joy and making a difference for children and families that sustains us. Our careers are so purposefully driven and what a gift it is to go to a job everyday where we are able to invest in children, adults, and families and impact positive change. On behalf of my colleagues across the nation, thank you for joining in our celebration during National School Psychology Week; we appreciate your support and recognition beyond words,” said Dr. Julia Szarko, National School Psychologist of the Year 2021.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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