Awards

The Wisconsin School Psychologists Association (WSPA) Mentorship and Supervision Excellence Award recognizes a practicing school psychologist in Wisconsin who demonstrates exceptional commitment to mentoring, supervising, and supporting the professional growth of future school psychologists.

This award honors professionals who provide meaningful guidance and high-quality supervision for practicum students, interns, early-career school psychologists, or colleagues entering the profession. Through intentional mentorship, modeling ethical and culturally responsive practice, and fostering professional development, recipients help strengthen the preparation and future of school psychology across Wisconsin.

WSPA aligns this recognition with the spirit of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) commitment to strong training practices, professional mentorship, and the development of skilled and reflective school psychologists.

Eligibility

• Be a current WSPA member.

• Be a practicing school psychologist in Wisconsin at the time of nomination and award presentation.

• Have demonstrated meaningful commitment to mentoring, supervising, or supporting practicum students, interns, or early-career school psychologists.

Nomination Materials

• Nomination Letter

• Nominee Resume or Curriculum Vitae (if available)

• Optional Letter(s) of Support

Nomination Letter

The nominator must submit a 500–750 word letter describing why the nominee is deserving of this recognition.

The letter should highlight the nominee’s contributions to mentoring or supervising practicum students, interns, or early-career school psychologists. Nominators are encouraged to provide specific examples of how the nominee supports professional growth, models strong professional practice, and contributes to the development of future school psychologists.

Letters may also describe the broader impact of the nominee’s mentorship on students, school communities, or the field of school psychology.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is designed to recognize those unique individuals who deserve special attention by virtue of their broad and significant contributions to the welfare of children and the field of school psychology in a number of areas (i.e. professional practice, research, state, regional and national leadership, training and supervision, community service, etc). Nominations will be accepted from any WSPA member. The nominator is responsible for submitting all the materials. NOTE: Previously submitted nominations may be resubmitted with updated information (See Procedures Below). Candidates must be current members of WSPA who are school psychology practitioners, trainers, supervisors, administrators, state consultants, or researchers and have made major local, state, and national contributions with 25 years or more of service to the field of school psychology.  Possession of the NCSP is desirable, but not required. Candidates may be retired. The award may be presented posthumously.

 

Selection Criteria 

1. At least 25 years of service in the field of school psychology.

2. Candidates will be evaluated in terms of significant statewide impact of their contributions to the field throughout their career in the following areas:

• Service to children, schools and families.

•  Service through the administration or supervision of school psychological or related services.

• Service to the profession through local and state organizations dedicated to the development and implementation of school psychological services.

• Service to the profession through the development of school psychology training programs or through continuing professional development.

• Service to the profession through research and publication that contributes to the knowledge base of the field.

 

Nominations require:

1.     Complete Nominator & Candidate Information Sheet. 

2.     Complete a nomination statement. This 2-3 page letter of recommendation should refer to specific examples of outstanding contributions to the lives of children and the field of school psychology (i.e., program development; training and supervision; adherence to high professional standards; presentations at conferences; contributions to professional journals; organizational leadership; consultation skills; accessibility, and efforts to stay abreast of new developments in the field, state and national leadership).

3.     Candidate’s Vita. For Posthumous Nominations ONLY: If a vita is not available please provide a written statement that addresses how the candidate meets the Selection Criteria described above.

4.     Letters of Support: Up to four, one-page letters of support may be sent with the nomination statement. Each letter must be typed and signed by the author. These might be ONE page letters written by individuals knowledgeable (e.g., teachers, parents, students, colleagues, administrators, etc.) about the candidate’s capabilities.

 

The Lifetime Achievement Award Selection Committee (past president, current president and president elect) or their appointees will review all nomination materials and determine the award recipient(s). The award will be presented at the spring convention luncheon.

 

Nominations must be submitted by January 10, 2025 to Carrie Silkey, WSPA Recognition and Scholarship Committee Chair, WSPA.awards.recognition@gmail.com

The Wisconsin School Psychologists Association (WSPA) School Psychologist of the Year Award recognizes a practicing school psychologist who demonstrates exemplary professional practice and meaningful contributions to students, families, schools, and the profession of school psychology.

The award honors school psychologists who demonstrate excellence in comprehensive school psychological services; collaboration with students, families, educators, and other professionals; ethical and culturally responsive practice; leadership and advocacy; and a sustained commitment to improving outcomes for students and school communities.

Consistent with the values reflected in the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Practice Model and School Psychologist of the Year recognition, this award celebrates school psychologists whose work demonstrates the breadth and impact of the profession and contributes to positive change within their schools, districts, communities, or the field of school psychology.

Award recipients may demonstrate excellence through direct services, systems-level work, prevention and intervention, consultation, data-based decision making, family and community engagement, professional leadership, advocacy, innovation, or other contributions that advance the well-being and success of students and school communities.

Eligibility

• Be a current member of the Wisconsin School Psychologists Association (WSPA).

• Be a practicing school psychologist in Wisconsin at the time of nomination and award presentation.

• Demonstrate exemplary professional practice and meaningful contributions to students, families, school communities, and/or the profession of school psychology.

Nomination Materials

• Nomination Letter

• Nominee Resume or Curriculum Vitae (if available)

• Optional Letter(s) of Support

Nomination Letter

The nomination letter should provide specific evidence demonstrating why the nominee exemplifies outstanding school psychology practice. Rather than simply describing the nominee as an excellent school psychologist, nominators are encouraged to describe specific examples, accomplishments, initiatives, or contributions and their impact.

Nominators should address as many of the following areas as are meaningfully demonstrated by the nominee. Nominees do not need to demonstrate excellence in every area.

1. Comprehensive Professional Practice

• Demonstrates effective, evidence-based, and data-informed school psychological services.

• Uses assessment, consultation, intervention, prevention, or progress monitoring to address student or school needs.

• Applies professional knowledge and skills to improve student outcomes.

2. Student, Family, and School Community Impact

• Makes a meaningful difference in students' academic, social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health outcomes.

• Builds effective partnerships with families and caregivers.

• Contributes to positive, supportive, inclusive, and responsive school environments.

3. Collaboration and Systems-Level Practice

• Collaborates effectively with educators, administrators, families, students, and other professionals.

• Contributes to problem-solving, prevention, intervention, or systems-level improvement.

• Helps strengthen school or district practices, programs, or systems.

4. Equity, Ethics, and Advocacy

• Demonstrates ethical, culturally responsive, and equitable professional practice.

• Advocates for students, families, or communities and works to reduce barriers to educational access, participation, or success.

• Demonstrates respect for the diversity of students, families, and school communities.

5. Leadership, Innovation, and Contribution to the Profession

• Demonstrates leadership within a school, district, professional organization, or the broader field of school psychology.

• Develops or implements innovative practices, programs, or approaches.

• Mentors, supports, or develops other professionals.

• Contributes to the visibility, advancement, or understanding of school psychology.

What Makes a Strong Nomination?

Whenever possible, include:

• A specific example of the nominee's work or contribution.

• The need or problem the nominee addressed.

• List of the applicant's accomplishments.

• The impact or outcome of the work.

• How the work reflects the values and role of school psychology.

The Wisconsin School Psychologists Association (WSPA) Outstanding Advocacy Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advocating for students, families, and the profession of school psychology.

This award honors individuals whose advocacy efforts have advanced policies, practices, or systems that improve access to high-quality school psychological services, strengthen student mental health supports, or promote equitable and effective educational environments. Advocacy may occur at the school, district, community, state, or national level and may include efforts to influence policy, raise awareness, build partnerships, or champion initiatives that benefit students and the profession.

Consistent with the advocacy priorities of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), this award recognizes individuals who elevate the visibility and impact of school psychology through meaningful and sustained advocacy.

Eligibility

• Demonstrate meaningful contributions to advocacy related to students’ well-being, educational equity, mental health, or the profession of school psychology.

• Have engaged in advocacy efforts at the school, district, community, state, or national level.

• Individuals do not need to be a WSPA member to be nominated.

Nomination Materials

• Nomination Letter

• Optional Letter(s) of Support

• Supporting documentation (optional; e.g., articles, policy contributions, advocacy initiatives, or public engagement)

Nomination Letter

The nominator must submit a 500–750 word letter describing why the nominee is deserving of the Outstanding Advocacy Award.

The letter should highlight the nominee’s advocacy efforts and the impact of their work on students, families, schools, or the profession of school psychology. Nominators are encouraged to describe specific initiatives, leadership roles, policy efforts, or community engagement activities that demonstrate the nominee’s commitment to advancing systems that support student success and well-being.

Letters may also describe the broader influence of the nominee’s advocacy on educational policy, professional practice, or awareness of the role of school psychologists.