Erin Yosai awarded Early Career Faculty Scholarship from Trainers of School Psychologists
LAWRENCE — Each year, the Trainers of School Psychologists recognizes an outstanding faculty member with the Early Career Faculty scholarship, which honors early career faculty in the first seven years of their career who demonstrate excellence in the training and mentoring of graduate students in the field of school psychology. On February 6, the national organization named Erin Yosai, associate professor of practice in the School of Education & Human Sciences’ School Psychology program, as the latest recipient of the award.
“It’s an immense honor for me to be recognized for work by my peers and colleagues across the nation. School psychologists are critically vital school professionals that can directly impact school climate, community collaboration, and student educational welfare,” Yosai said. “My personal passion and professional vision is to make KU a premiere, nationally-recognized institution for training future school psychologists through providing unique, innovative, and rigorous learning opportunities for our students.”
Yosai serves as the Director of Clinical training and PhD Program Coordinator for the School Psychology program, part of the Department of Educational Psychology, and has spent her early career dedicated to understanding and promoting quality training, mentorship, supervision, and recruitment into the profession. Her research and training philosophy values mindful supervision, teaching, and mentorship driven by authenticity and positive practice. Namely, her work has centered on using empowerment, connection, and collaborative problem-solving approaches to enhance academic and mental health wellness in schools, training programs, and in the greater community.
“Given the growing needs in schools related to mental health issues and concerns, having a leader like Dr. Yosai has been impactful for students in our programs and individuals in local communities we serve,” said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education & Human Sciences.
During her time at KU, Yosai has become immersed in recruiting and promoting the profession of school psychology. Since 2021, she has been investigating ways to grow campus and community awareness of school psychology as a program and career, as well as recruiting quality students to the profession. In doing so, she has given over a dozen presentations to faculty, student ambassadors, and undergraduates about the profession, as well as the important relationship between academic and mental health.
“During my time as a faculty member at KU, I’ve tried to create opportunities for potential applicants to meet faculty and current students through virtual presentations, creating recruitment fliers, brochures, and infographics to disseminate to regional undergraduate institutions, and enhancing my program’s social media presence,” said Yosai.
Yosai has also been integral in evolving the presence of the School of Education & Human Sciences’ graduate training clinic, the Center for Psychoeducational Services, which will be renamed and relaunched as OASIS (Outcomes, Assessment Services, & Intervention Supports) in spring 2023, by increasing the breadth of advertising, outreach, and provision of clinical and academic services in the community.
Yosai is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She received her doctorate in school psychology from the University of Montana, her master’s in psychological science from Montana State University, and her bachelor’s in psychology from Baker University.
About the KU School of Education & Human Sciences
Located in Lawrence, the KU School of Education & Human Sciences is a nationally ranked school, preparing educators and human science professionals as leaders since 1909. With more than 40 academic programs offered among five departments, at two different campuses and fully online, the school serves Kansas, the nation and the world by preparing individuals to become leaders and practitioners in education and related human science fields. Stay up to date by following the school on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram and its blog.