Description

With school psychologist shortages at a crisis level—particularly in rural areas—innovative pathways are needed to grow professionals from within our school communities. This session will introduce the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse’s online graduate program in school psychology, designed specifically for current educators seeking to retrain and transition into this high-need field. Attendees will hear a brief overview of the program’s unique structure.

The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion featuring current fourth-year students completing their internships in small and rural districts across Wisconsin. Panelists will share insights about balancing graduate work with professional and personal responsibilities, building relationships in rural communities, and how their classroom backgrounds uniquely prepared them for school psychology.

This session is ideal for educators, administrators, and district leaders looking to explore sustainable, homegrown solutions to the school psychologist shortage.

PRESENTER: Mykayla Sygulla - School Psychologist, Cornell School District

Mykayla Sygulla is the school psychologist for the Cornell School District and member of the WiRSA Board. She began her career in education as a school counselor and later served as a director of special education. With an early interest in school psychology, Mykayla embraced the opportunity to pursue alternative licensure and transition into the role to meet a local district need. Her background in pupil services and special education allows her to bring a practical, balanced approach to her work, supporting students and staff with efficiency and care. Mykayla is passionate about developing leadership from within and is an advocate for alternative pathways to school psychology.

PRESENTERS: *Additional panelists are yet to be confirmed and information can be provided at a later date.