By Skylar Rispens, UM News Service
MISSOULA – When Mikayla Jefferson arrived at the University of Montana this fall to study school psychology, she knew her ultimate goal was to return home after completing her degree. Jefferson, who hails from Hardin, is eager to work in the school district she once attended and where many of her family members have also worked. Her primary aim is to support her school district, not as a teacher, but in a role that allows her to work more closely with children. Being near her family is also important to her, as family is central to life on the Crow Reservation.
Jefferson began her academic journey at Little Big Horn College on the Crow Reservation and later earned her psychology degree from Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Reservation. At SKC, an internship revealed to her the impact school psychologists have on students by addressing their needs and connecting them to resources. Jefferson found this role inspiring and fulfilling.
The University of Montana hosts the state’s only school psychology program, focusing on rural and Indigenous communities. Recently, it achieved top accreditation from the National Association of School Psychologists, securing a 10-year approval. There is a strong demand for school psychologists nationwide, with the ratio in Montana being about 1,150 students to one certified school psychologist, mirroring the national average. The NASP recommends one psychologist per 500 students.
Anisa Goforth, director of UM’s school psychology graduate training, highlighted the vital role the program plays in Montana, where 82% of its graduates stay to work. School psychologists are different from school counselors; they provide diverse services, such as mental health support and working with neurodiverse students, to enhance student success. They also collaborate closely with school communities to build support systems.
Goforth explained that school psychologists specialize in supporting students with disabilities, promoting equitable school experiences, and developing interventions. Their responsibilities might include creating suicide prevention programs, supporting reading curriculums, and offering counseling.
The specialist degree in school psychology, positioned between a master’s and a doctorate, takes about three years to complete. It involves two years of coursework and clinical experiences, followed by a year-long supervised school position.
Jefferson’s first semester involves learning in an elementary school setting in the Missoula County Public Schools district. Her clinical experiences will focus on reading challenges, and next year, she will work under supervision to provide evaluations and interventions. Upon completing the program, Jefferson aims to join Hardin Public Schools, which span almost 60 miles. Her main passion is connecting with children and parents to find school supports and help children build their support systems.