The Role of Advocacy in Special Education: A Talk with April Rehrig

Resources:

April's website: https://www.riseeducationaladvocacy.com/about

April's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/riseedadvocacy/

FREE IEP Resources: https://www.riseeducationaladvocacy.com/resources

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Instagram: @jennyponzuric

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Time Stamps:

00:05 April Rehrig's Background and Experience

02:19 Transition from School Psychologist to Teacher

03:42 Starting a Private Practice

05:04 Parent Advocacy and Personal Journey

06:45 Differences Between School Psychologist and Advocate

11:27 Challenges and Trends in Special Education

17:00 AI in School Psychology

22:53 Advice for New School Psychologists and Private Practitioners

26:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

From Psychologist to Leader: Dr. Matthew DuBois on Making an Impact

In this episode, Dr. Matthew DuBois, president of the Massachusetts School Psychology Association and senior director of clinical services and SEL program for the Brookline public schools, shares his wealth of experience and insights. Dr. DuBois discusses his career journey, the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL), and his key initiatives to support the whole child in schools. He offers advice for new professionals in the field and highlights the critical role of school psychologists in providing mental health services. Dr. DuBois emphasizes the need for structural support, networking, and continuous learning to impact students' well-being and academic success.

Resources:

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Subscribe now and join our community of dedicated School Psychologists committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering school environments for every child. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and student-centered advocacy together!

Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric

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Time Stamps:

00:48 Favorite TV Shows and Personal Interests

01:49 Professional Background and Experience

03:12 Leadership and State Association Involvement

05:45 Advice for New School Psychologists

08:17 Balancing Roles and Time Management

15:49 The Importance of SEL in Schools

22:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. LD on the Frontlines: AI, Ethics, and School Leadership.

In this episode of the Prepared School Psych Podcast, host Jenny welcomes Brittany Lewno-Dumdie, a dedicated school psychologist and the 2023-24 president of the Montana Association of School Psychologists (MASP). Brittany shares the journey behind her nickname 'Dr. LD,' her professional background in school psychology, and her work in the MASP. The conversation touches on significant current topics like AI's impact on evaluations, ethical guidelines, and cultural competency in school psychology. Brittany also discusses her initiatives around recruitment and retention, the school psychology interstate compact, and her efforts to elevate MASP's visibility. The episode concludes with practical advice for early career psychologists and insights into the balance between professional responsibilities and personal passions.

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Subscribe now and join our community of dedicated School Psychologists committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering school environments for every child. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and student-centered advocacy together!

Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric

🔗 jennyponzuric.com

✉️ [email protected]

Time Stamps:

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Dr. LD

01:39 The Story Behind the Nickname 'Dr. LD'

02:44 Favorite TV Shows and Personal Interests

03:47 Professional Journey and State Association Involvement

06:27 Ethics in School Psychology

11:08 Challenges and Innovations in the Field

24:00 Advice for Early Career School Psychologists

29:02 Balancing Work and Leadership Roles

31:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Doss, the Critical Response and Wellness Coordinator for the Anchorage School District in Alaska, shares her extensive experience in crisis response, threat assessments, and leadership in education. She discusses her journey in the field, her role as the president of the Alaska School Psychologists Association, and strategies for managing responsibilities, setting boundaries, and combating imposter syndrome. Dr. Doss emphasizes the importance of organization, time management, and team delegation. Tune in for insights on balancing professional duties and personal well-being while making impactful changes in the educational setting.

Resources:

Alaska School Psychologists Association:

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Subscribe now and join our community of dedicated School Psychologists committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering school environments for every child. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and student-centered advocacy together!

Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric

🔗 jennyponzuric.com

✉️ [email protected]

Time Stamps:

01:02 Getting to Know Dr. Ashley Doss

02:02 Career Journey and Leadership

04:10 State Association Initiatives

06:26 Advice for New Professionals

07:58 Balancing Crisis Response and Self-Care

11:39 Leadership and Imposter Syndrome

17:25 Time Management and Delegation

19:00 Final Thoughts and Conference Promotion

19:37 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode, the host interviews Lina Kitson, a practicing school psychologist in Kansas and a leader in various school psychology organizations. Lina discusses her extensive involvement in the Kansas Association of School Psychologists (CASP), her advocacy work, and her role in the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). She shares insights into her leadership journey, key initiatives during her presidency, and strategies for managing time and professional development. Lina also talks about co-founding 'Copy Paste Report,' an Excel-based program designed to assist school psychologists and related service providers. The conversation explores Lina's passion for strategic planning, professional growth, and the importance of leaning into leadership roles within the field.

Kansas Association of School Psychologists: https://kaosp.wildapricot.org/

Lina's Excel based program: https://www.copypastereport.com/

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Interested in Joining Summer Boot Camp? Register Today: ⁠https://jennyponzuric.com/summerbootcamp2024/⁠

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Subscribe now and join our community of dedicated School Psychologists committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering school environments for every child. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and student-centered advocacy together!

Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric

🔗 jennyponzuric.com

✉️ [email protected]

Time Stamps:

01:32 Favorite TV Shows and Personal Interests

03:34 Professional Journey and Leadership Roles

06:02 Key Initiatives and Accomplishments

12:00 Advice for New School Psychologists

15:56 Balancing Leadership and Work

19:44 Copy Paste Report: A Time-Saving Tool

23:31 Final Thoughts and Professional Development

In this engaging episode, host Jenny welcomes Noelle Van-Vlierbergen, a former corporate coach for Apple and Sony and now an author, empowerment coach, and founder of 'Day by Day.' Noelle shares her journey of helping individuals, especially teens, manage change, anxiety, depression, and addiction through specialized journals and wellness planners.

They discuss the history and development of her 'Day by Day' journals, their impact on mental health, and the importance of self-managed wellness. Noelle highlights the values of empathy, courage, authenticity, and community, and provides insights on using her journals as tools for reflection and self-improvement.

This episode is packed with valuable tips for school psychologists, educators, and anyone interested in empowering teens and adults to lead more fulfilling lives.

In this episode, Gagan Shergill, a travel school psychologist with SPG Therapy and Education, discusses his journey and passion for integrating technology and AI into school psychology. He serves as the chair of the AI Ethics Ad Hoc Committee of the California Association of School Psychologists. Gagan talks about the benefits and limitations of using AI in practices such as report writing and student interactions while emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and data protection. He offers practical advice for school psychologists interested in exploring AI, advocating for a balanced approach that embraces technological advancements while maintaining ethical standards.

Resources:

Interested in Joining Summer Boot Camp? Register Today: https://jennyponzuric.com/summerbootcamp2024/

Not sure and want to try out a 2-week Free Trial Inside Our Prepared School Psych Community Click Here and use Code Podcast: https://jennyponzuric.activehosted.com/f/159

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Subscribe now and join our community of dedicated School Psychologists committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering school environments for every child. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and student-centered advocacy together!

Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric

🔗 jennyponzuric.com

✉️ [email protected]

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:54 Favorite TV Show Discussion

02:15 Journey into School Psychology and AI0

5:18 AI in School Psychology Practice

10:38 Ethical Considerations and Practical Tips

17:25 Future of AI in School Psychology

29:25 Advice for New School Psychologists

31:43 Conclusion and Resources

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all participants are required to follow federal and state law and their school district guidelines and policies.

School Psychologists and Burnout

School psychologists face a high risk of burnout due to workload, lack of control, and value mismatches with their work environment. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Corcoran advocates for a preventative approach to address burnout by equipping new school psychologists with self-care strategies and knowledge about creating a good fit environment.

Self-Care for School Psychologists

Self-care is not just bubble baths and yoga. It's about identifying and implementing strategies that work for you, such as:

Importance of Work Environment

A good work environment with factors like a manageable workload, autonomy, and values alignment can significantly reduce burnout risk. When entering the field, new psychologists should consider these factors during the interview process using the six areas of mismatch identified by Maslach and Leiter.

Resources

AASP:  https://aaspconnect.wildapricot.org/

Books referenced:

Additional Tips

Join us for an insightful conversation that offers practical advice and tools to help you maintain your well-being in your role. Don't miss it!

Interested in Joining Summer Boot Camp? Register Today: https://jennyponzuric.com/summerbootcamp2024/

Not sure and want to try out a 2-week Free Trial Inside Our Prepared School Psych Community Click Here and use Code Podcast: https://jennyponzuric.activehosted.com/f/159

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Subscribe now and join our community of dedicated School Psychologists committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering school environments for every child. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and student-centered advocacy together!

Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric

🔗 jennyponzuric.com

✉️ [email protected]

#ThePreparedSchoolPsych #SchoolPsychology #StudentSupport #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationPodcast #JennyPonzuric

The information and advice provided are for guidance purposes only, and all participants are required to follow federal and state law and their school district guidelines and policies.

School psychologists are the ultimate behind-the-scenes heroes, but even superheroes can feel like frauds sometimes. This episode tackles that nagging voice of imposter syndrome that whispers you don't belong.

We'll explore:

Feeling like an imposter doesn't have to hold you back. This episode will equip you with the tools to silence the self-doubt and confidently embrace your role in supporting students and families.

Listen in and discover how to:

You've got this!

Not sure and want to try out a 2-week Free Trial Inside Our Prepared School Psych Community Click Here and use Code Podcast: https://jennyponzuric.activehosted.com/f/159

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Subscribe now and join our community of dedicated School Psychologists committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering school environments for every child. Let's embark on this journey of professional growth and student-centered advocacy together!

Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more:

Instagram: @jennyponzuric

🔗 jennyponzuric.com

✉️ [email protected]

#ThePreparedSchoolPsych #SchoolPsychology #StudentSupport #ProfessionalDevelopment #EducationPodcast #JennyPonzuric

Welcome, everyone! We're thrilled to have Dr. Katie Raher, founder and CEO of Constant Love and Learning, with us today. An award-winning teacher turned school psychologist, Dr. Raher helps educators and change-makers foster well-being and social-emotional learning (SEL). After a health crisis in 2016, she discovered the critical importance of well-being practices for educators and founded Constant Love and Learning in 2019.

The Role of School Psychologists

School psychologists are uniquely equipped for advocacy and support in educational settings. Shifting from traditional models to prevention-focused approaches (Tier 1) enhances effectiveness, providing comprehensive support for all students and reducing the need for advocacy through IEPs. Prevention, SEL, and consultative roles yield the greatest benefits.

Transition to Constant Love and Learning

The journey to creating Constant Love and Learning stemmed from integrating adult SEL more deeply into my work. Initially, the term "self-care" became overused and misconstrued. I emphasize holistic wellness, encompassing awareness, physical health, and spiritual well-being. Schools and organizations must foster environments where everyone feels supported, mirroring the team-based support structure of IEPs.

Constant Love and Learning arose from a need to support educators on a broader scale. Our mission is to nurture healthy, empowered educators who can inspire resilience and potential in every child. We envision a world where educators feel well, connected, and impactful. We offer heart-centered experiences and workshops to support educators in achieving their best selves, one step at a time.

Impact and Strategies for Well-Being

Educators report significant improvements in their classrooms and personal lives through our programs. SEL tools benefit both their students and their own children. Feeling regulated and supported increases job satisfaction and compassion for themselves and their students.

Simple strategies for well-being include having a variety of approaches for different situations. For instance, taking a walk while discussing something with a colleague or interacting with preschoolers for a quick reset. Productivity is about evaluating what truly matters and setting boundaries to create a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

Setting Boundaries and Embracing Growth

Setting boundaries, like requesting breaks and honoring your needs, is crucial. It’s okay not to know everything; maintaining a beginner’s mindset fosters a culture of growth and support. Advocate for what you love in your role and be open to learning. Regulating your nervous system helps handle various challenges, allowing for creative problem-solving.

Conclusion

Thank you for everything you do to support students, families, and educators. For more information on Dr. Raher's work, check out the Constant Love and Learning website. Thank you for joining us, Katie!

See you next time!