Central Bucks Staffer Named PA School Psychologist Of The Year

DOYLESTOWN, PA — A Central Bucks School District staff member who "goes above and beyond to resolve challenges" has been named Pennsylvania's School Psychologist of the Year for 2019.

Julia Szarko, a psychologist at Cold Spring Elementary and Barclay Elementary, earned the designation from the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania.

"Szarko is a truly outstanding school psychologist. She exemplifies the full spectrum of school psychologist responsibilities," said David J. Lillenstein, the association's president. "Not only does Dr. Szarko support students by identifying individuals with special or exceptional needs, she also provides academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports across the school system."

Szarko is also credited for being integral to the school’s development of system-wide initiatives that promote academic success and behavioral supports.

"She also provides ongoing support for teachers to improve classroom management for all students, and she provides specific intervention supports for individual students who need more support," Lillenstein said.

Szarko goes above and beyond to resolve challenges when they arise, the association noted.

"Julia’s passion for school psychology and supporting students’ mental health needs is evident through her leadership and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels."

She is described by her colleagues as "a compassionate, genuine professional who advocates for students’ mental health and social-emotional needs."