Redefining Our Future: School Psychologists as Leaders for Social Change

The work of the Leadership Pillar of the 2023–2024 School Psychology Futures Conference included structured conversations, resource and content development, examination and reflection, and calls to action. By briefly discussing the history of leadership in school psychology and analyzing participants’ responses, the authors describe the current state of leadership in school psychology and identify the competencies needed for school psychologists to lead social change. The authors also discuss the barriers to traditional leadership opportunities for racially and ethnically minoritized individuals and the critical need to remove these barriers. Recommendations are provided to facilitate the promotion of social change leadership in school psychology by aligning research, training, and practice.Impact StatementSchool psychologists must examine their profession and personal experiences as leaders for social change within their roles working with children, families, educational institutions, and communities. Reflecting on the field’s history and applying lessons learned about barriers to leadership opportunities, particularly for racially and ethnically minoritized individuals, offers an opportunity for change within the profession that can also create positive change in the settings where school psychologists work.