About the role
Rural Iowa Grow Your Own School Psychologist Program
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI), in partnership with seven of Iowa’s AEAs, is offering a collaborative “grow your own” program that trains new school psychologists to increase access to mental health services in high-need, rural Iowa schools. Participants earn an Ed.S. in school psychology through UNI while continuing to work full-time. Upon graduation, students commit to serving as AEA school psychologists in rural areas, helping address critical local needs. Two pathways are available:
Bachelor’s track: For educators with Bachelor's degrees currently working in schools (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.); Ed.S. in 4 years
Master’s track: For professionals with Master's degrees in education and related fields; Ed.S. in 3 years
Why It Matters
Iowa faces a critical shortage of school psychologists. While NASP recommends 1 psychologist per 500 students, current ratios in Iowa range from 1:1,657 to 1:7,857, limiting student access to mental health supports.
Program Benefits
Financial Support: The grant covers the cost of books each semester, travel costs for in-person classes/sessions, and 90% of tuition and fees.
Part-time: Ability to take classes part-time while working full-time.
Strong professional engagement: Join a cohort of up to 12 others taking the same sequence of courses in the program.
Service Commitment
Graduates commit to 3 years of service in their AEA after completion
Link to Flyer: Includes dates, times, and link to the Zoom information sessions.
If interested in this opportunity, please complete the brief application. This will help us communicate to UNI how many people from this area will be attending the informational sessions. The actual application to the program is included on the flyer linked above.
Compensation: NA