EdNews - Spring 2008
A Publication of the College of Education at Florida State University
Faculty Member, Student Honored at
National Conference
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recently recognized an associate professor and a master’s student from the FSU Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems with awards for dedication to their field at the 2008 national convention.
Associate Professor Briley Proctor was presented the NASP Government and Professional Relations Certificate of Appreciation, given to individual members who have clearly shown their advocacy efforts to improve education and mental health services for children, youth and their families. Recipients have a proven record of support of the NASP mission and goals through state or national government and professional activities.
“It was an incredible honor to be selected for this award,” Proctor said.
MaryAnn Green, a student in the master’s/educational specialist Program in School Psychology received the 2008 Minority Scholarship Award from NASP’s Education and Research Trust. The award was established to ease the financial burdens associated with an extended academic career, and ultimately infuse the profession with a needed presence of diversity and cultural awareness.
“Although only a first-year student, NASP has recognized that MaryAnn has unique experiences, talents and skills, and this recognition will certainly set her apart when she applies for internships and jobs in the near future,” said Proctor, who is Green’s faculty adviser. “I think MaryAnn has tremendous professional potential. She has a keen interest in serving underprivileged students and has extensive experience working with this population both domestically and abroad.”
Proctor serves as the Florida Association of School Psychologists Legislative Chair and has authored two papers that were adopted by FASP, including positive alternatives to corporal punishment in the schools and a rebuttal to the Church of Scientology’s efforts to pass legislation that would discourage public school evaluations and mental health services. As an FSU professor, she developed a course in public policy and advocacy and encourages students to advocate actively for the welfare of all children.
Proctor says her position as legislative chair is a challenging but rewarding role for her. “Advocacy and legislative involvement aren't typical activities for school psychology practitioners and faculty,” she said. “Most of us are not trained in the art of translating research and best practice into policy, and it can be intimidating to work with legislators. However, I find this particular professional niche challenging, exhilarating and, most of the time, fun.”
“In many ways, working on a legislative bill is more rewarding than publishing a paper because the impact is more immediate and generally more widespread,” she added. “Hopefully, I can encourage others to become involved in similar efforts by demystifying the process and by demonstrating how essential it is to stay on top of what is happening in Tallahassee and DC.”
Green earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Pennsylvania State University. She has dedicated a great deal of time working with underprivileged children. She has taught English in rural China and has spent the past two years working with Teach For America program in Atlanta. Green is interested in facilitating increased collaboration between teachers and school psychologists, working with underprivileged children, and implementing early interventions.
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