Board reinstates University of Memphis school‑psychology affiliation for 2025–28 to place graduate interns in district schools

The Shelby County Board of Education approved a clinical affiliation agreement with the University of Memphis to place school‑psychology graduate students in supervised field placements in district schools for the 2025–28 academic period.

District staff said the agreement allows graduate students to complete supervised clinical experiences — including psychological assessment, behavior‑intervention planning, counseling and crisis support — under the supervision of licensed MSCS clinicians. Staff reported two graduate students were placed in the 2023–24 school year and successfully completed their programs; no University of Memphis students were placed in 2024–25 because the district did not have a contractual agreement in place that year.

Compensation and commitments

District staff clarified that the placements are practicum/internship field placements that typically provide academic credit rather than paid employment. Staff said interns generally are on site part‑time (for example, roughly two days per week) during their placements. Board members asked whether the district could offer financial incentives to retain interns as staff after graduation; staff said they would explore retention strategies and possible incentives through HR.

Vote and next steps

The board approved the affiliation agreement by roll call (nine ayes). Staff said the district will continue working with the university to recruit candidates and to forecast placement needs in future years.