Central Bucks School Psychologist Dr. Julia Szarko was selected at the National Association of School Psychologists’ School Psychologist of the Year.  

This prestigious award honors excellence in the provision of school psychological services by a field-based practitioner and is selected from nominations by states across the country.  

Dr. Szarko has served the students of Central Bucks for 16 years. "Dr. Szarko is a clear example of service to children, families, schools, and the profession as both a practitioner and an advocate," Superintendent Dr. John Kopicki said.

"Her leadership has been evident through her work implementing multitiered system of supports, suicide prevention and intervention, crisis response, early intervention, gifted education, staff development, supervision of graduate students, and advocacy for effective policies and practices in our district," he added. 

Dr. Szarko was instrumental in the drafting and introduction of the federal Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2019 to address the shortages in school psychology. Dr. Szarko was previously recognized as Pennsylvania School Psychologist of the Year in 2019. 

Photo Credit: Robyn Graham Photography