Navigating the Dual Dilemma: Addressing School Psychology Practitioner and University Trainer Shortages

Abstract

This study examines the dynamics of national searches for university trainers in school psychology programs over a five-year period (2018-2023). Analyzing 545 job announcements from the SPTrain listserv, the research uncovers a significant increase in calls, nearly doubling from 90 in 2018-2019 to 171 in 2022-2023. The study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Great Resignation, and heightened mental health awareness on the surge in calls. Regional and professional variations in calls are examined, shedding light on potential strategic responses to trainer shortages. The study provides insights for school psychology training programs, recommends recruitment strategies, and suggests areas for future research. The findings underscore the critical need to address university trainer shortages for sustainable and high-quality training of school psychologists.