James C. DiPerna

Position Statement

I would like to thank the Executive Committee for my nomination as a candidate for Division 16 President. During the past two years, I have served as the division's Vice President for Convention Affairs and Public Relations (VP-CAPR). As a result of this experience, I have gained an even greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the critical role that Division 16 plays in representing the interests of our profession within the American Psychological Association (APA). I also have been impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of our Executive Committee members to advancing science, policy, and practice in our field. If elected, my primary goal will be to further support the key divisional initiatives launched during the past five years (e.g., implementing working groups to address critical areas of need, strengthening communication within the division, facilitating opportunities for collaboration with other APA divisions and other relevant professional associations). In addition, I will identify opportunities for our division to meaningfully contribute to APA initiatives related to students, schools, and families. Finally, I will look for ways to broadly disseminate our science and practice to key stakeholders (students, practitioners, parents, and policymakers). Thank you for taking the time to consider my candidacy, and I welcome the opportunity to serve the division in this capacity.

Background

James C. DiPerna, PhD, is Associate Professor and Director of Training for the School Psychology program at The Pennsylvania State University. During the past decade, he has served the field through a variety of roles. He completed a 5-year term as Associate Editor for School Psychology Review, and he currently is the Editor for the annual Directory of Internships for Doctoral Students in School Psychology, which is jointly sponsored by APA Division 16, the National Association of School Psychologists, and the Council of Directors of School Psychology Programs. In 2010, Jim was elected to a three-year term as the Division 16 Vice President for Conference Affairs and Public Relations (VP-CAPR), and he served as the chair (or co-chair) for an annual statewide school psychology conference in Pennsylvania from 2004-2007. In 2005, Jim received the Lightner Witmer Award for early career scholarship from Division 16, and his professional interests focus on the promotion of academic, social, and emotional competence in youth.