Thanks to the actions of NEA, school psychologists across the country have great news. In July 2008, an NEA-RA new business item called on NEA to support retention of the current language in the Model Licensure Act (MLA) that exempts school psychologists from requirements to hold a doctorate degree. In the fall of 2008, with the assistance of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and leadership from several state affiliates, NEA submitted comments regarding our support for school psychologists. In addition, NEA worked with NASP to actively advocate on this issue, resulting in supporting letters from 10 state Secretaries of Education and over 20,000 letters.

As a result of our joint efforts, the American Psychological Association has voted NOT to change language in the MLA that would have prohibited school psychologists from using the title “psychologist” if they do not hold a doctorate degree.

We thank the American Psychological Association for hearing NEA’s concerns and congratulate them for a prudent decision in support of their members working in public schools.

This is a great victory for our members and the thousands of students who are served by school psychologists every day in schools and districts across the nation.