After completing her training as a remedial educationalist, Anke van Dorst-Smeekens (27) wanted to gain more in-depth knowledge of the field. ‘Education has always been my passion, but after my studies, I realised that I wanted to develop further in certain areas, both in terms of knowledge and skills.’ The training programme to become a school psychologist offered exactly what she was looking for: depth, direction and a connection to practice.
From behavioural scientist to school psychologist
When Anke started the programme, she was working as a behavioural scientist in special education (cluster 4). She now works as a project leader and acting board secretary. ‘I was a young remedial educationalist in a large field, still searching for what I wanted to do, what would make me happy.’
She made a conscious decision to train as a school psychologist: ‘I wanted to gain additional knowledge, but above all to explore how I could better realise my passion – better education for all children.’
A gift for your craftsmanship and development
For Anke, the training felt like ‘a gift.’ ‘I found it extremely valuable to be able to discuss the profession with a group of knowledgeable fellow students every week. Their experiences, knowledge and skills have helped me grow both as a professional and as a person.’
She also considers supervision to be essential: ‘This really gave me the opportunity to link the knowledge I had learned to my practice, but it also greatly stimulated me in terms of personal development.’
Learning by doing
Anke emphasises how the programme ties in with practice. ‘Some courses focus on an implementation or change plan as a final assignment. For example, after the course Action-Oriented Diagnostics and Action-Oriented Working, we adapted the intake procedure at school.’
Together with her supervisor, she developed a reflection schedule that she still uses every week. ‘Many teachers really do their best to connect with the group in front of them. They help you become consciously competent and show you what you already know, understand and can do.’
The power of the group
Looking back, one aspect really stands out for Anke: the group. ‘I have learned so much from these people. They have really been my sounding board over the past two years.’
Recommendation for fellow professionals
Are you unsure whether this programme is right for you? Anke is clear: ‘Absolutely! I think it can deepen your own development as a remedial educationalist or psychologist in education.’
Finally, she shares a quote from her supervisor that has stayed with her: > ‘Your intuition is your mind running ahead.’
And another one: ‘Pedagogy should be about perspective, about growth, and about the actions of adults to stimulate that growth.’
Would you like to follow in Anke's footsteps and develop your career as an orthopedagogue or psychologist in education?
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