AASP History

The Arizona Association of School Psychologists was founded in 1967. Our first President from those founding members is Jerry Green. Jerry sat down with the AASP historian in 2018. He shared the story of our humble beginnings.  Jerry gave a speech about this at the AASP 50th Anniversary Conference in November 2018. You can see images of his personal speech and notes here. Jerry also served as the first President-Elect of NASP when it was founded on March 14, 1969. 

The first AASP luncheon meeting was held at the Desert Inn in Tucson on November 3, 1967. The cost for the luncheon, with tax and tip, plus the use of the room, was $2.00! The featured speaker was Dr. Cal Catterall, who was then Past-President of the California Association of School Psychologists. At that meeting, Jerry was elected Chairman of the founding group. Most of those early meetings were held at the dinner table in Jerry’s home. Prospective by-laws and objectives for the Association were developed and dues of $5.00 were suggested for the start of the organization. 

The subsequent organizational meetings were held at the Sands Hotel in Phoenix on April 5 and 6, 1968. Arizona leaders, like Keith Perkins, Laura Ganoung, Special Education Director in Tucson, David Lloyd, Mesa's Pupil Personnel Director, and Leo Munoz representing the School Psychology Program at Northern Arizona University gave up a Friday evening to discuss their views of the past, present and future of School Psychology in Arizona. On April 6, 1968 the bylaws were approved. Twenty-three members signed the bylaws and Jerry was elected President, while Marjorie Mertens became President-Elect, but as she left employment as a school psychologist, she resigned and Dan Conley of Glendale became the second President. Eileen Riley was elected Secretary, and Joe Dunkleberger was chosen to be Treasurer. The initial objectives of the Association were the same as at our 50th anniversary in 2018.

 Jerry in 1969 as NASP President and Jerry in his home the Fall of 2018.