For several years, I have had the opportunity to work with field supervisors in the Twin Cities and  metro area. School and licensed psychologists supervise students at all stages of our program and assist in turning research into practice by providing opportunities to practice skills learned in the classroom. I believe that students build their love for school psychology by working in the field and learning from supervisors. Without high-quality field experiences, we would not be able to provide such an effective training program.

You may not have had the chance to provide supervision for one of our graduate students. We have several opportunities available, from individual supervision of an advanced practicum student to group supervision of students earlier in their training. I personally supervised a group of first and second year students this past year, and I can attest to the benefits of such an opportunity. Below you will find my top three reasons to supervise a practicum student or group:  

1. Practicum students increase your bandwidth. Your ability to implement multi-tiered systems of support is expanded when you have graduate students eager to conduct assessments. These students can  identify targets for intervention, monitor progress, and evaluate fidelity. While the need for this work often outnumbers the resources available, practicum students can make it possible by implementing interventions with support from the University of Minnesota and school supervisors like you.
2. It feels good. Enthusiastic, optimistic graduate students are good for your soul. They remind us why we chose this field and bring positive energy to each new day and new problem to be solved. In addition, you will know that you are doing something to support the future of school psychology, which feels good in and of itself.
3. Supervision makes you better. I know we are always careful to engage in best practices.  However, when you are working alongside students who are learning the newest and best methods to practice school psychology, you benefit from exposure to their resources, connections with their instructors, and doing your best because the next generation is watching.

If you are interested in increasing your bandwidth, giving back and improving the field of school psychology, please contact our program to learn more.

Annie Hansen-Burke is a senior lecturer and field placement coordinator for the school psychology program. She worked as a school psychologist in the Minneapolis Public Schools prior to returning to the University of Minnesota as an instructor. Her areas of interest include: assessment, LGBTQ issues, social, emotional intervention, translation of research to practice and at-risk groups in schools.