Psychologists in Education - Carolyn Crum
Meet Carolyn Crum, an Educational Psychologist in Arrowtown
Her background
Carolyn is a full time Psychologist with the Ministry of Education in Central Otago.
After 13 years’ primary teaching, Carolyn upskilled and registered as a Psychologist in 2008. She’s added to her Bachelor’s Degrees in Education and Arts and Diploma in Teaching with a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Massey University. In 2007, she took part in the Ministry’s year-long psychology internship programme.
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Her story
Carolyn thanks mum for initially inspiring her latest career move.
“She worked in special education and brought us up to be inclusive and to value diversity.”
Seeing the positive impact that specialists often had on student outcomes and the enjoyment of teaching students with learning and behaviour needs were also reasons why Carolyn took time out to study and change careers.
Today, Carolyn works mainly with primary and secondary school students with severe behaviour needs and special education needs.
Carolyn says: “Every student is different and requires a different response – that’s why working as a team is so important. Mums, dads, teachers, and teacher aides – we all have an important role to play and a lot of knowledge and experience to contribute.”
Sometimes lessons are too difficult. Sometimes they’re too easy. Other times a child’s social and emotional skills or specific learning needs may be the real issue.”
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The rewards and challenges
Carolyn rates positive outcomes for students as the big reward of the job.
After all, she says: “There’s nothing like seeing a young person’s happy face at school, seeing them participating in class with their peers and seeing that they are learning.”
She also rates effective teamwork as a big reward of the job, yet she says, building a team can be challenging, too.
Carolyn’s advice for people interested in a career like hers is to plan and get advice on what to study early on.
“You need to ensure that you have all the pre-requisite skills to apply for the post graduate courses.”
She also advises that people need to be prepared to work hard once they are accepted.
“While the internship is a fantastic opportunity, it’s also quite intense. You need good organisational and time management skills and really big batteries to get through the year.”
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Her future aspirations
Carolyn loves her new career. She aspires towards a PhD at some stage but is happy to stay put for now.
“I’ve got a great job and I’m surrounded by inspirational people. What more could anyone ask for?”
Want to speak to someone like Carolyn about a career as a Psychologist in Education? Give us a call on 0800 622 222 or send us an email special.education@minedu.govt.nz [no spam]