The NASP Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes outstanding school psychologists who have had a national impact on the field and have dedicated their professional lives to the development and improvement of school psychology.

Who can nominate?

Nominations for the Lifetime Achievement Award are generated by the LAA Nominating Committee. The committee includes:

• 3 Past LAA award winners
• Leadership Development Committee Awards Cochairs
• NASP President
• NASP Past-President
• NASP President-Elect
• NASP Historian
• NASP Director of Leadership Development

Eligibility Criteria

The nominee must be a practicing or retired school psychology practitioner, trainer, supervisor, state consultant, researcher, or administrator. Possession of the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential is desirable, but not required. This award may be presented posthumously.

Candidate must have:

• Served at least 25 years in the field of school psychology
• Maintained active NASP membership for at least 10 years and must be a member in good standing for the current fiscal year
• Served in local, state, or national leadership positions (e.g., committee member, chair, or cochair; interest group coordinator, elected officer, strategic liaisons or planning coordinators, delegate; task force member, School Psychology Review Editorial Advisory Board, etc.) with a minimum of 5 years of service in a NASP leadership role.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated in terms of major contributions to the field of school psychology throughout their careers in each of the following areas:

• Direct service to children, schools, and families by providing school-based comprehensive services (consultation, assessment, behavior management, PBIS, progress monitoring, etc.) and/or administration and supervision of school-based psychological services - 25%
• Service to the profession through local, state, and national organizations dedicated to the development and implementation of school psychological services - 25%
• Service to the profession through the development of school psychology training programs or through the provision of continuing professional development opportunities - 25%
• Service to the profession through research and publications that contribute to the knowledge base of school psychology - 25%  

Preferred candidates will have made significant contributions in all four areas, but no less than three. Evidence of impact on the field is seen through (1) national impact; (2) contributions focused on the development and evolution of the profession; and (3) candidates who have distinguished themselves within the field.

Selection and Notification of the LAA Winner

A panel of 5 volunteer reviewers from Leadership Assembly reflecting the roles (delegates and chairs) and regions (Northeast, Southeast, West, and Central) of NASP's governance body, will read and rate the nominee's materials and determine the top candidates. All candidates and nominators will be informed of the outcome by email. Reviewer ratings will be completed by late October. The award recipient and their nominator will be notified by mid-November. Other candidates, not selected, and their nominators will be notified in mid-December. Application materials for candidates not selected will be considered for subsequent years. An official NASP announcement will be made to NASP members in early January.

Award Presentation

The award ceremony and reception will be held at the NASP Convention. Transportation to and from the convention as well as complimentary basic registration,  lodging, and per diem for two nights will be provided for the recipient. No advance public announcement or publicity (such as an article in the local newspaper or state association newsletter) should be made prior to the convention. The recipient may tell colleagues, employers, friends, and family. The LAA winner will be invited to make the LAA Address at the convention.