We are delighted to share that there are two candidates who have expressed their enthusiasm and willingness to provide leadership to the future of ISPA. Please review the candidate statements and bios below:

President candidate

Statement of Maria Cristina Matteucci, Italy

“Enthusiasm moves the world”… I am submitting my candidacy for President of the International School Psychology Association (ISPA) with a strong commitment to advancing school psychology globally and a passion for fostering international collaboration. I am eager to support ISPA’s mission. I have always felt ISPA is like a family, where I have formed valued professional and personal connections with members from around the world. These relationships have enriched my personal and professional growth.
“No research without action, no action without research” … My academic career has been grounded in the belief that school psychology plays a key role in supporting young people’s holistic development. As an associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Bologna, I have worked extensively in both academic and practical contexts, exploring how psychology can contribute to improving schools.

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”… Looking ahead, I believe ISPA’s key goals should be:

  1. Increase Membership and Active Engagement – Essential for strengthening our collective voice and advocacy impact at national and international levels.
  2. Engage School Psychology Students – Involve new generations of school psychologists globally by enhancing student engagement.
  3. Strengthen Partnerships – Forge stronger alliances with international and European organizations to amplify our influence and promote best practices.
  4. Foster Collaborative Research and Innovation – Promote research collaborations through European and international projects, leveraging funding opportunities to address critical issues.
  5. Expand Accreditation Efforts – Enhance accreditation for university programs in school psychology to ensure high standards in training future professionals.
  6. Involve Youth and Student Associations Worldwide – Engage youth and student organizations globally to better understand and address their needs, ensuring their voices are included in ISPA’s initiatives.

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President candidate

Statement of Tascha Just, United States of America

Hey hey/Osiyo/Paldies/Bonjour/Γειά σου/Hello ISPA Peers,
I’m Tascha Just, Ed.S., and I’m excited—albeit a bit nervous—to announce my candidacy for ISPA President. After proudly securing 13% of the vote for ISPA Secretary last year, I’m back, this time aiming for the top role! Why? Because it feels right. Joining ISPA was right, running for Secretary was right, and even though I feel out of my league following in the footsteps of remarkable Past Presidents I deeply admire, this opportunity also feels right.
Over the past year, I’ve served as President-Elect of the Minnesota School Psychologists Association, furthering my commitment to the transformative power of school psychology. My recent experiences at ISPA in Riga, Latvia, and at the Global Exchange Conference at Walt Disney World allowed me to collaborate with global leaders, strengthening my dedication to mental health advocacy and to advancing the well-being of children and families worldwide.

With a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, I’ve developed a strong ability to connect with diverse communities—an essential skill for leading ISPA. I am committed to fostering inclusivity and open communication across borders, envisioning ISPA as a globally recognized, well-funded, and impactful force for educational progress. With humility and respect, I am nominating myself to lead our Executive Council—not to overhaul what has been built, but to nurture and build upon the solid foundation that has been thoughtfully created and cared for.

As ISPA President, I will work to strengthen collaboration, spark innovation, and lead a united global push for equity in education. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Together, let’s take ISPA to new heights.

Wado/Pidamayaye/Miigwech/Thanks/Gracias/Shukran/धन्यवाद /Merci/ Tsaug/谢谢/ Ευχαριστώ

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