Sacramento Teacher Relies On Psychology Degree To Help In The Classroom

When Eileen Fraley was deciding on a career, she wanted to work in education, in the hopes of helping students. While her parents believed in education and valued teachers, they urged her to get a degree in business instead. Fraley obtained her Bachelor's of Arts in business and focused her efforts toward building a career in tourism, which she felt would be very lucrative and interesting.

Fraley worked for several corporations in the hospitality industry along with getting married and raising a family. "Once my children were in school, I knew I wanted to change the direction of my life," she said.

Fraley decided to pursue her dream and returned to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to obtain her Master's of Arts in educational psychology. She found her course work very valuable in building her knowledge and skills. "I discovered innovative teaching strategies, theories and new ways to look at education."

After her children grew up, Fraley moved to Sacramento and changed careers, teaching in elementary grades at private pre-schools. She was instrumental in assisting her students who were homeless and those from homes in crisis.

"It was my training and education that prepared me to reach out and offer solutions," Fraley explained. "My degree opened doors and allowed me to engage students, faculty and address concerns and problems. I definitely credit my education and background in advancing my second career."

Fraley would advise others to consider a career in psychology in a school district. "We need counselors and those trained in mental health in our schools. We also need teachers with advanced degrees to work with those counselors to really help many of our students. I am not saying parents are bad or lazy. But our world today is a very stressful world and many people are unable to cope. If they can't cope, what about their kids? We have an opportunity in our schools to help our students and their parents but it takes education and training. Psychology in education can make a difference and really change the world."

Debbie Hall is practically a Las Vegas native (34 years and counting) and loves experiencing everything in Southern Nevada from the Las Vegas Strip to the surrounding mountains and Lake Mead. She also teaches at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and loves sharing her knowledge. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.