An enquiry into the profession of a school psychologist in the czech republic

The research report is based on the results of a questionnaire enquiry into the population of school psychologists operating in elementary, secondary and high schools in the Czech Republic by the start of 2000. It is structured into the following chapters. First, a profile of the respondents is presented, followed by the most common vs. the most critical professional situations faced by them in school, the nature of the most frequent professional activities and the methods used and finally a metaphorically expressed self-image based on the assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the profession. The results show that the work of a school psychologist rather corresponds to a short part-time contract at an elementary school. If it is to be done adequately and to satisfy the psychologist, it should be framed by an at least 0.5 contract. The most common situations that school psychologists have to resolve are crisis interventions and help with learning difficulties. Work with the family environment and relationships with teachers are the most critical for psychologists. Above all, they perceive negatively the unclear legislative foundation of their profession, appreciate self-reliability in work, fast feedback and a close contact with clients. School psychologists with a longer practice most frequently feel as “firemen”, “know-alls” and mediators. Most of them want to continue in their profession.