Dear OSPA Members and Friends of OSPA,
With any luck your summer is off to a wonderful start and each of you is taking time to enjoy some hard-earned rest and relaxation! As I reflect on the past year, I am blown away by the many challenges we, as school psychologists and educators, have had to overcome. Although it was a difficult year for many of us, characterized by novel stressors, frequent change, and social distance, the challenges also provided many opportunities for professional and personal growth. I hope you found the OSPA community and the resources provided by our association to be comforting and supportive throughout the ups and downs of a year unlike any other.
During my time as president-elect, and now as president, I have had several opportunities to engage with other state association leaders across the country. These experiences have been both educational and collaborative, addressing various topics, including expanding the role of school psychologists, the nationwide shortage of school psychologist, and the responsibilities of school psychologists in advocating for equity and inclusion. Throughout each occasion OSPA’s reputation as a leader among state associations has been evident, and I am incredibly grateful for the ongoing work of our executive board and others who have helped to build that reputation. Admiration for OSPA’s efforts and progress was frequently expressed, including praise for the association’s role in securing funding and placement for interns attending Ohio’s training programs, the development and success of Future School Psychologist of Ohio, regularly providing resources and professional development to support the expanding role of school psychologists, maintaining strong collaborative relationships with state agencies and other associations, positively influencing state legislation to improve outcomes for children, and preserving the overall strength and historical relevance of our association. OSPA’s executive board will continue to work tirelessly to advocate for our profession and provide resources and support to school psychologists across the state.
OSPA remains persistent in efforts to advocate for racial equality and social justice, as well. It has been nearly a year since OSPA committed to the Unified School Psychologists Anti-Racism Statement and Action Plan and we, as an association, remain dedicated the responsibilities it outlines. I encourage each of you to read, or revisit, the statement along with OSPA’s Action Steps in order to reflect on how you can support these commitments as a practitioner. The statement, action plan, and accompanying resources are available on the OSPA website. As OSPA strives to be a support and resource for all school psychologists across the state of Ohio, it is imperative that our organization be inclusive and work to reduce any existing barriers for involvement. It is my goal as OSPA President to ensure that our association continues to make progress in each of the action steps, including the increase of accessibility and expansion of opportunities for involvement. Please reach out with any input on how OSPA can improve our inclusivity efforts amongst our membership.
OSPA’s 2021 Spring Conference, Addressing Student & Practitioner Needs: National & Local Perspectives, was held virtually in April. I found the conference to be a welcomed dose of positivity and inspiration that helped power me through to the end of an exceptionally trying school year! Thursday’s sessions included an informative update from the Ohio Department of Education provided by Bernadette Laughlin, followed by a collaborative presentation from experts in serving students with hearing loss. The presenters provided considerations, resources and tools for working with and evaluating students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Dr. Andrea Amador rounded off the afternoon with information regarding the role that school psychologists can serve in bringing comprehensive behavioral health services to schools through MTSS, PBIS, universal behavioral health screening, and mental health partnerships. Poster sessions were also included in Thursday’s line-up.
NASP President, Dr. Wendy Price kicked off Friday’s sessions with updates from NASP, including the new practice model, and highlighted opportunities to expand our roles as school psychologists. Dr. John Sommers-Flanagan then wrapped up the conference with an emphasis on the importance of happiness. His presentation included evidence-based happiness activities along with specific methods for intentionally integrating happiness and well-being into our work and personal lives. I would like give special thanks to those involved in planning the conference, including Spring Conference Committee Co-Chairs Stephanie Jozwiakowski and Sarah Stampfle, Business Manager Rachel Chilton, Executive Director Ann Brennan, and Immediate Past-President Ashley Lockemer.
Finally, I would like to share that Ann Brennan has announced her upcoming retirement from her position as OSPA’s Executive Director (see pg. 18). Ann has worked tirelessly for OSPA and has truly become the heart of the association. She has had an immeasurable impact on our organization, and school psychologists throughout Ohio are certainly better off as a result of her dedication, knowledge, diligence, and advocacy. To say that Ann will be missed is a gross understatement. Although it is difficult for me to imagine OSPA without Ann’s involvement, I am forever grateful for her countless contributions and wish her the best as she takes on her next adventure.
I’d like to end by sincerely thanking each of you for your involvement with OSPA and your continued work in advocating for children. I feel fortunate for my years of connection with this amazing association and am humbled to serve as your president. Please feel free to contact me at emma@ospaonline.org with any questions or suggestions on how OSPA can better serve you. As you prepare to transition into the next school year, I hope that last year’s challenges provide each of you with increased gratitude and confidence in your skills as a practitioner. You are a valued member of the OSPA community and I look forward to connecting with you throughout the next year!
Sincerely,
Emma Sacha