10th Annual School Psychology Symposium Set for April 1
The University of La Verne’s LaFetra College of Education’s 10th Annual School Psychology Symposium will take place on Saturday, April 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Abraham Campus Center.
Dr. Veronica Escoffery-Runnels, who chairs the school psychology preparation program, said the day is geared toward helping current and potential students get a better understanding of the profession. It also allows students to ask questions of experts and University of La Verne alumni working in the field.
The day will kick off with a keynote address from Thomas Sopp, the president of the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP). The afternoon speaker will be Susan Coats, the mental health and crisis consultation chair for CASP. Coats also chairs the student mental health policy workgroup for the California Department of Education.
Workshop presentations throughout the day will cover topics such as suicide prevention/intervention, mindfulness, inclusive collaboration, and special education laws and legislation.
Guests conducting the workshops include practicing school psychologists and other administrators from districts including San Bernardino, Alta Loma, and Covina. Graduate students will also present some of their research.
The afternoon will feature a panel discussion with more than a half-dozen university alumni who are now practicing in the field of school psychology. Facilitated by Dr. Runnels, the panel is intended to promote questions and dialogue on topics that include finding a job, managing work/life balance, and negotiating salaries.
The symposium is open to current and prospective students and is free of charge.
“This is a great opportunity not only for our current graduate students, but also for prospective students to speak to and learn from experts and our faculty who will be in attendance,” Runnels said. “Of 15 prospective students who attended last year, eight of them applied and were accepted to the program.”
The symposium has expanded over the last nine years, with attendance anticipated at about 70 people this year.
Those interested should contact Dr. Runnels at vrunnels@laverne.edu or (909) 448-4387.
