Alaska · Career guide
How to become a School Psychologist in Alaska
School psychologists conduct psychoeducational evaluations, support IEP eligibility determinations, provide individual and group counseling, and coordinate multi-tiered systems of support. The role typically requires an Ed.S. (60-graduate-credit specialist degree) and is one of the most acute shortage areas in the country — districts routinely contract out psych services because they can't hire enough W-2 staff.
No school psychology positions are open in Alaska right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in Alaska
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution plus completion of an approved teacher-preparation program. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Alaska typically requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your certification area
- Alaska Studies and Multicultural Education courses — Required state-specific coursework (3 semester credits each) for all initial certificates
School psychology requires an Ed.S. (60-credit specialist) or a related master's + internship + national certification (NCSP) recognized by most states.
- Apply for your initial license through Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) →
- Job-search in Alaska. We'll track school psychology openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in Alaska
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Alaska offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Type M Limited Teacher Certificate: Issued to candidates with demonstrated expertise in shortage areas (CTE, special education, rural placements)
- Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification (ARTC): University-affiliated programs that allow candidates to teach under a provisional certificate while completing pedagogy coursework
- Type C Special Services Certificate for school counselors, psychologists, and related specialists
- Teach For America (active in rural Alaska placements)
Alaska salary context
Average teacher salary in Alaska: $73,722/year (rank #11 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $48,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Alaska salary guide for the breakdown.