162. Eric Rossen, ED of NASP, on School Psychologist Shortages, Advocacy, and a Culture of Empowe...

What happens when schools don’t have enough psychologists to meet student needs? And how can associations help their members thrive in such an environment?


In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Eric Rossen, Executive Director of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Eric discusses:

• How NASP represents over 24,000 school psychologists across the U.S., many of whom serve multiple schools due to a national shortage.
• The difference between school psychologists and school counselors, and why having both creates “force multipliers” for student success.
• NASP’s advocacy work around federal funding, including the fight to restore grant money that was being used to address workforce shortages.
• How NASP is addressing the mental health of its members, who often work in isolated environments, under high stress.
• Eric’s leadership journey from school psychologist to association executive, and how earning his CAE signaled a full embrace of his role as an association professional.
• His leadership style shift, from “doing” to empowering, and how he intentionally built trust when stepping into the Executive Director role.
• Why National School Psychology Week is more than recognition of school psychologists: it’s a tool for public awareness and appreciation of a critical profession.
• NASP’s upcoming 2026 convention in Chicago, expected to be its largest ever, with Dr. Miguel Cardona as the keynote speaker.
• How NASP is making its convention more expansive and impactful by welcoming affiliated organizations to host events under its umbrella, creating a “bigger tent” for school psychology.


References:

• NASP Website (https://www.nasponline.org/)
• NASP Annual Convention (https://www.nasponline.org/profession...)