#FridayFeature: Jeff Wallis, EHS Psychologist

/in /by

#FridayFeature
Jeff Wallis | Edwardsville High School | Psychologist   

Jeff Wallis, EHS psychologist, says school psychologists help all students to be their best selves.  

“We are experts in mental health, learning and behavior. We also support our students, teachers, administrators, and families in promoting positive mental health and behavior, improving academic achievement, supporting diverse learners, creating safe and positive school climates, and strengthening those school-family partnerships.” 

Wallis has spent seven years at EHS and 14 in District #7. His time has also included three and a half years at Liberty Middle School and three and a half years at Hadley as a Special Education and Student Services Administrator.  

Prior to working in the schools, Wallis had several other jobs. He was a researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at Wash U, a lecturer in the Behavioral Sciences Department up at Millikin University and worked as a clinician and administrator in several mental health clinics in St. Louis and Central Illinois. 

Psychology was always a natural fit for Wallis.  

“I like science and philosophy and have always been curious about why people do the things they do.” 

However, when working as a clinician, he observed a growing and unmet need for behavioral and mental health services for children and adolescents.  

“Schools are an ideal place to provide these services, and research supports that youth are more likely to seek help from school-based mental health staff. I figured I could make the greatest impact here in the schools.” 

Wallis said being a school psychologist comes with a great deal of responsibility and can be challenging at times, but that there is much to love about the job.  

“I get to be an advocate for students and their families and help students thrive. I do not take for granted how lucky I am to get to work with such driven, passionate, and creative teachers, administrators, and related services staff. Trust me – they are amazing! I also enjoy supervising doctoral- and specialist-level interns and giving back to my field. In this job, no two days are ever the same. I like this variety. Having summers off to be with my family does not hurt either.” 

He added that the rewards of the job are also special.  

“Helping students make positive changes and grow academically, socially, and emotionally is hands down the most rewarding part of job!”