Kara Mueller
Ed.S. in School Psychology
School Psychology and Counselor Education
- 2026, William & Mary, Education Specialist, School Psychology
- 2023, William & Mary, Bachelor of Science, Psychology; Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
What kind of educational and professional experiences did you have prior to beginning this degree?
I graduated from William & Mary with degrees in Psychology and Sociology and came straight into the School Psychology program. During high school and college, I tutored and coached children and adults, including individuals with various disabilities. I was also involved with research in a professor's lab in my senior year, working with toddlers and their parents. I have continued to coach in this program and I also have a Graduate Assistantship with the Office for Academic Programs at the School of Education.
As a student pursuing an education specialist degree in School Psychology, why did you choose this field?
I have always wanted to end up in a position where I can make a real difference in people's lives. I took a psychology class in high school and fell in love with it, and found sociology at William & Mary. School Psychology combines my interests in psychology and education and applies to sociology as well in its emphasis on social justice and equity. There is a great need for school psychologists and other professionals in education, and I look forward to joining this important field.
What do you hope to be doing after graduation? In 10 or 15 years?
I hope to be a practicing school psychologist, likely in Virginia. I may continue my education in a PhD program but my main goals are to find a home with a school district where I feel that I can make a real impact and be supported in my work by other professionals.
Why did you choose William & Mary and specifically your degree program? What sets this degree program apart from those offered at other colleges?
After attending William & Mary for my Bachelor's degree, I looked at a few different School Psychology programs in Virginia, but always hoped to stay here. The community at William & Mary is unparalleled and, when combined with the focus on great academics and research, it feels like home for undergraduate and graduate students alike. As they say, William & Mary is a place of belonging. I felt this as an undergraduate and I am now gaining a strong feeling of connection and belonging with the School of Education.
What has been the most influential experience you've had so far in your program?
Even though it is only my first semester in the program, I have had many meaningful experiences. My learning experiences in classes have been very valuable, but what I think has been the most important so far is being in the schools, getting to know the systems and processes, and seeing how school psychology works. In our first year we do not have official practicum placements in the schools; however, we have shadowed school psychologists, interviewed school psychologists and individuals who work closely with them, and we have started testing and tutoring students in local schools. Getting hands on experience with students is one of, if not the most, important aspect of our training, and I look forward to doing much more of it.
One of my favorite parts of my graduate experience so far has been my Graduate Assistantship in the Office of Academic Programs. It has given me the opportunity to give back to the School of Education and be involved with events I attended as a prospective student, and I have learned a lot about how the School of Education runs, which makes me feel a real connection with it. My GA has helped me feel like a part of the school even beyond being a student, and I highly encourage students to apply for one!
