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Looking for School SLP Jobs? 5 Tips to Thrive in Speech-Language Pathology
In a school setting, speech language pathologists (SLPs) are an integral part of creating an excellent learning environment. They provide treatment and support for students of all ages with communication difficulties, making a significant impact on students’ academic and social development. If you are considering school SLP jobs or you are currently a school-based SLP, here are five tips to help you thrive in your role.
1. Learn to adapt. Working with children in any setting requires some level of adaptability, but working with children with speech and communication disorders requires it. SLPs need to be able to adapt their therapeutic strategies to accommodate children with different disorders, sometimes in group settings. Being able to adjust lesson and therapy plans will make you a more effective therapist, better meeting the unique needs of your students.
2. Focus on collaborating with others. Speech language pathology is an inherently collaborative field of work. Outside of working directly with children, school-based SLPs typically collaborate with teachers, counselors, aides, and parents. Teachers are a resource who can help provide a more well-rounded picture of each student’s needs and create a more positive learning environment in the classroom. Communication with parents can help deepen the impact of therapy that takes place at school by creating ways to continue therapy at home. Plus, studies show that children whose parents work on speech language pathology exercises with them show improvements faster than those whose parents do not.
3. Take advantage of professional development opportunities. Staying current on best practices and new research is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your commitment to your students, and your school system as whole. This can involve attending workshops, conferences, and pursuing additional certifications and training. By continuously improving your skills, your patients will have more positive outcomes in both their communication skills and their learning experience.
4. Practice patience and empathy. Empathy and patience are two traits that successful SLPs are constantly seeking to hone. Children with communication disorders may feel self-conscious or anxious about their difficulties, especially in a school environment around their peers. Demonstrating empathy helps to create a supportive environment where children feel motivated to work hard, because they first feel accepted. Each school day can be different, given children’s fluctuating moods and emotions. Having patience on the days that children are struggling to stay motivated in therapy can help you maintain a positive relationship with your patients.
5. Advocate for your students. Advocacy is one of the most important parts of a school-based SLP’s job description. You can help make sure your students have equal opportunities, same as their peers, in both their classrooms and other school activities. With each student having different communication challenges, strengths, and goals, your advocacy for individualized support and services will help ensure that each student thrives in their school environment. Your students rely on you to help them thrive; remind them that you’re cheering them on when they make progress.
Finding school SLP jobs near you doesn’t have to be difficult — connect with Amergis Educational Staffing to find openings in schools near you.
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