In 1991, the OSPA Executive Board established the School Psychologist of the Year Award.  The purpose of this award is to recognize one school psychologist each year who provides outstanding service delivery within the practitioner realm. It is required that at least seventy-five percent of a candidate's time be spent providing school psychological services to students, teachers, and parents, typically in a school setting. Nominees must be OSPA members and are nominated by a regional association.

In 2023, the OSPA Executive Board voted to rename this award as the Alex Thomas Ohio School Psychologist of the Year Award in honor of the late Dr. Alex Thomas.

The recipient of the Alex Thomas Ohio School Psychologist of the Year Award then becomes Ohio's nominee for the National School Psychologist of the Year Award, presented by NASP at its Annual Convention.

Please see the School Psychologist of the Year Award Rubric for more information on criteria.