In this part of my portfolio, I aim to offer a glimpse into my journey towards becoming a school psychologist. Currently, I am a student in the Master of Education in School and Applied Child Psychology program at the University of Calgary. Having recently completed my second year and the first practicum, I am now well-versed in the administration of academic achievement (WIAT-III, KTEA-3), and cognitive (WISC-V) assessments.
My initial interest in school and educational psychology began during my undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Fraser Valley (UFV). Here, I also conducted a research thesis under the supervision of Dr. Lesley Jessiman, exploring ageism and its role in language and communication. This research experience provided valuable skills and additional perspectives on vulnerable populations, which I believe will be beneficial in a school environment.
During my time as a student, I have been committed to applying my theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios. I have worked as a Community Support Worker, providing aid to another vulnerable population: individuals with multiple diagnoses. This role required strong ethical conduct, responsibility, and the ability to cater to complex needs – skills that I believe will be crucial in my future role as a school psychologist.
In addition to my professional experience, I have also had the opportunity to volunteer at McCammon Elementary in a primary classroom and conduct several WIAT-III assessments throughout the district. These experiences, albeit limited, have further fueled my passion for educational psychology, demonstrating the unique challenges and rewards that come with it. My additional experience as a Temporary Teacher On-Call (TTOC) provided the invaluable in-classroom experience where I got to see first-hand and up-close the learning challenges that the students at all grade levels faced, especially when replacing a Learning Assistance teacher or a Resource Teacher during daily or weekly coverage at Elementary, Middle and High Schools.
Beyond my academic and professional achievements, I am also a father, and this role has given me an even deeper understanding of the unique needs of children and the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment for them to thrive. It is my aim to bring these diverse perspectives to my role as a school psychologist, where I can work alongside parents, teachers, and support teams to create such an environment.
Outside of School Psychology, I have a strong interest in technology, information systems, and digital audio, domain skills which have come in handy during my research projects and will be indispensable in my future role. I have created peer-assisted learning tutorials for online delivery, designed online testing materials, and utilized platforms such as Testable, Google Forms, Excel, and Survey Monkey (see the About Me section for examples). My technical skills include proficiency in languages such as R and Python, which I have been learning to expand my skill set further.
In my free time, I enjoy expanding my horizons through music, non-fiction reading, philosophy, and podcasts on psychology, philosophy, and statistics. I believe that these varied interests contribute to a holistic approach to my profession, and they constantly provide me with fresh insight and a renewed perspective.
As I continue on my journey to becoming a school psychologist, I am committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and individualized services that enhance the quality of life for the student population. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to make a positive impact in the lives of the students I serve.
(c) Besart Hysniu 2025 