It’s
that time of year when we can shout from the rooftops how much we love our
career as school psychologists! During this time of year we are reminded of how
important our role is within the school setting and can take advantage of
educating those in our school buildings and communities. It’s also a great time
to educate students at our schools what our role is, how we can help them, and
maybe inspire a few to choose this path.
This
year’s theme is
“Know your own strengths.
Discover them. Share them. Celebrate them.”
 |
| via NASP |
Since
the beginning of the year I have had my poster hanging in my office and brought
it down to my table at the career fair. As part of my increased effort
to promote this year’s theme, I decided to utilize one of my many (many) Pinterest
resources: a mind
map. I wanted to use the mind map to help the students identify their own
strengths. I decided to do one as a sample, but also to help me get into the
spirit of SPAW! It can be so easy to go through the motions and forget what
makes you YOU and an inspiring professional.
In
the center of the mind map is the student’s name. Around it, using whatever
creativity they feel comfortable with, have the students identify their own
strengths. They can elaborate as much as they want and can also identify
connections between the strengths. For example, I noted that I am passionate
(my first strength I identified) which connects to my thirst for knowledge.
Now, if you notice I included “imperfect” on my map. At first glance imperfect
may seem like an odd fit, but I feel that acknowledging my imperfections as a
professional and person makes me that much better at my work I do. I don’t
always have the right answers and need to ensure I (and others) understand
that.
I
wish that I had put more planning into SPAW, but as an intern there was only so
much I could really accomplish (selling myself a bit short I’m sure). I look
forward to being more organized next year in my first job (eek!) and really
raising awareness in my school community.
What
are you doing to promote SPAW in your schools/districts?
Be
sure to check out postings from other school psychologists, including:
- Notes from the School Psychologist
- Burgeoning School Psychologist
- Mindful School Psychologist (also be sure to check out this document outlining how to tap into students' educators', and our own strengths)
Oh, and iIf
you’re discussing on Twitter or Instagram use the tag #SPAW!
Until
next thyme,
Erika
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