The IASP School Psychologist of the Year Award (formerly titled the “Exemplary Practitioner of the Year Award”) is presented annually to a school psychologist who exemplifies good practice. The award is intended to identify and recognize outstanding school psychologists, as well as to increase public awareness of the profession. The procedures and guidelines for the IASP School Psychologist of the Year Award are aligned with the current guidelines for the national award presented by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Multiple awards can be made at the discretion of the awards committee. Award procedures are outlined below, or you can click here for a complete nomination packet. 

Who is Eligible

Practicing school psychologists in the state of Indiana who spend the majority of their time providing direct services to students, teachers, and parents in school settings. Trainers, researchers, and administrators are not eligible for this award. Previous award recipients may not be re-nominated; however, previously submitted nominations who were not selected may be resubmitted with updated information. 

Who Can Nominate

School psychologists, teachers, special education directors, counselors, principals, or other administrators who have had a close working relationship with the individual, and who have direct knowledge of the individual's skills, attributes, and professional activities.

Selection Criteria 

• Is an IASP member; although having an NCSP is desirable, membership in NASP is not required
• Provides full-time school psychological services in the state of Indiana and in line with current NASP practice standards
• Performs job in an exemplary manner
• Earns the respect of others

Procedures and Required Documents 

Nominators are responsible for submitting all materials. Please use this checklist to make sure you have all the required documents in order to have a complete nomination. All nomination materials should be in 12-point font for easy reading by reviewers. 

1. Nomination Statement: In one page, describe why the candidate should be considered for this award. Give specific examples in any of the following areas: data-based decision making; consultation and collaboration; interventions and instructional support to develop academic skills; interventions and mental health support to develop social and life skills; school-wide practices to promote learning; prevention and crisis intervention; family-school and community collaboration; diversity in development & learning; research and program evaluation; legal, ethical, and professional practice; performs job in exemplary manner; earns respect of others; has professional memberships and leadership. Please see the attached listing of domains of school psychology practice for specific definitions and examples.
2. Nominator and candidate contact sheet 
3. Candidate's resume 
4. Letters of support: These should be one page letters written by individuals who are knowledgeable of the candidate's capabilities, professionalism, and leadership qualities. Four (4) letters of support should be included: 1 from supervisor or administrator; 1 from special or general education teacher; 1 from parent or student age 16 or older; and 1 additional professional or personal letter of support. 
5. Essay questions to be completed by the nominee: Please limit your response to each question to 1,000 words. Include the question at the top of each response and your name, question number, and page number in the header. 

• Question 1: How has your approach as a school psychologist evolved? 
• Question 2: Describe how you involve parents in the education of their children and enhance family-school partnerships at the building and/or district level.  

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Award Presentation

The award will be presented on the second day of Fall Conference following the luncheon. Recipients will be notified in advance so they are able to invite family and/or other significant individuals to the event. Award recipients' nomination materials will be forwarded on to NASP for the national competition.

All nomination materials must be received no later than June 1. Please return completed nomination packet to: Kim Williams (kwilliams@thecorydongroup.com)

Questions may be directed to: Kim Williams (kwilliams@thecorydongroup.com)