School Psychologist Department
Dr. Michael Cermak, EdS., EdD. School Psychology, Lead School Psychologist PAEC #803
Email: mcermak@paec803.org
Dr. Cermak graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology followed by completing graduate work at Loyola University Chicago where he ultimately graduated with an EdD. in School Psychology. He wrote a dissertation on improving services and supports for students and families who experience homelessness. He has been a practicing school psychologist for 11 years, all of them with PAEC. He initially came to PAEC as a practicum student and intern before being hired full-time in 2014. He has serviced many of the PAEC programs and member districts including the PAEC Center programs, PAEC Academy, PAEC Therapeutic Elementary School, PAEC Therapeutic High School, Hillside District 93, Lindop District 92, Proviso Township High School District 209, District 87 (MacArthur Middle and Sunnyside Intermediate), and the parochial schools within the co-operative.
As the lead school psychologist, he provides consultative services to all of the member districts and PAEC programs while continuing to provide direct services to MacArthur Middle and Sunnyside Intermediate. He completes all testing for students to get them the assistance they need academically. He also enjoys working with students individually to help with skills like anger management, regulation, and study skills. He has been a supervisor for many school psychology practicum and intern students, helping them learn about the field and get prepared for full-time work post-graduation. Professionally, he is the President Elect for the Illinois School Psychologist Association (ISPA). He has presented at several national school psychology (NASP) conferences in locations such as Orlando, New Orleans, San Antonio, Chicago and Atlanta. In his free time, he enjoys reading, watching sports (especially his hometown Cleveland Guardians, Browns, and Cavaliers), visiting with friends, and traveling with a lifelong goal of visiting all 50 states!
Services Offered to PAEC Students
PAEC school psychologists deliver a continuum of prevention and intervention services to students, families, and schools. As integral members of a school’s educational team, school psychologists contribute to a broad range of services, which include the following:
• Prevention
As members of school-based problem solving teams, school psychologists assist in identifying students at risk for academic and behavioral difficulties by reviewing and evaluating relevant data. Using systematic problem-solving models, they develop scientifically based interventions to address these challenges.
• Intervention
School psychologists implement direct academic and behavioral interventions with individual students and small groups. These services address the needs of both at-risk students within the general education setting as well as students identified as eligible for special education.
• Consultation
School psychologists develop strong collaborative relationships with parents, teachers and community services to create an understanding of child development and to design healthy and effective interventions for learning and behavior problems. School psychologists also consult with school administrators regarding district-wide initiatives, policy decisions, and curriculum development.
• Assessment
Using a wide variety of data and evaluation techniques, school psychologists conducts formal and informal assessments to determine a student’s abilities, learning needs, achievement levels, behavioral functioning, and social skills.
• Education and planning
School psychologists conduct staff development activities for school personnel. Topics include: data collection, analysis, and management, teaching and learning strategies, child development, academic and behavioral interventions, and peer relations.
• Advocacy
School psychologists facilitate referrals to community agencies and specialists when appropriate.