Statement Of Purpose In Educational Psychology

I would like to extend my sincerest thanks for taking your time to consider my candidacy for the Educational Psychology/School Psychology program at the University of Wisconsin. I have always been drawn to behavioral psychology, the phenomenon of learning, and educational processes. After discovering that I had a special talent for working with children and at-risk youth, I eagerly began my academic pursuit in elementary education. With ever-increasing learning demands, and limited time and resources, I quickly learned that inevitably some children fail to perform adequately among their peers. This reality came quite clear to me through my experience working and substitute teaching in a public elementary school. I took a special interest in …show more content…
This heartfelt experience brought me to the realization that I need to focus on the psychological aspects of learning and behavior in order to make the impact that I truly desire. This very special child elicited a life-changing experience, which turned my focus from classroom teaching to enacting change in different ways. Seeing children struggle to no avail is the reason I am choosing to pursue a career in educational/school psychology, working collaboratively with classroom teachers, support staff, and families to provide essential support to maximize the success of all students. By helping these children get the appropriate support they need to prosper, I will work tirelessly to provide them with an opportunity for a rewarding …show more content…
With her reputable expertise and research interests in implementation of classroom support systems for children with behavioral barriers to learning, and early literacy development in low-income and minority students, the mentorship of Dr. Maribeth Gettinger would be invaluable in shaping my future as a student, as a professional, and as a future university educator. Additionally, Dr. Jennifer Asmus’ research focus on single-subject research methods, and use of applied behavior analysis and behavioral classroom interventions to decrease problematic behaviors that interfere with learning by replacing them with desirable on-task behaviors also stands to contribute exponentially to my academic and career focus. The renowned research of Dr. Craig Albers is also in direct alignment with my academic and professional goals. With a strong and reputable research background, and interests in prevention and intervention sciences, his guidance and expertise would undoubtedly prove to be an unequivocal asset to my education. Although my research interests align most specifically with the aforementioned faculty members, it would be an honor to study under the mentorship of any of the Educational/School Psychology faculty members at the University of Wisconsin. Their award-winning contributions to the