School Speech Language Pathologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving realm of education, the role of the School Speech Language Pathologist is increasingly critical.

As the field of education develops, the demand for skilled professionals who can nurture, develop, and enhance the communicative abilities of our students grows ever stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a School Speech Language Pathologist?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• An educational administrator defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of speech language pathology in schools,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a flexible School Speech Language Pathologist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

School Speech Language Pathologist Duties and Responsibilities

School Speech Language Pathologists are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication and swallowing disorders in students.

They provide direct therapy, implement treatment plans, and work closely with teachers, families, and other specialists to support the child’s academic success.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate students’ speech, language, and communication abilities to identify areas of difficulty
• Create and implement individualized treatment plans to address speech and language issues
• Provide direct therapy to students in individual or group settings
• Advise and collaborate with teachers, school administrators, and other school staff to support the student’s academic success
• Work closely with families to educate them about their child’s communication needs and how they can support at home
• Document and maintain records of students’ performance and progress
• Regularly reassess students’ progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary
• Refer students to additional services or specialists when needed
• Stay current with the latest research and best practices in speech and language pathology

 

School Speech Language Pathologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and qualified School Speech Language Pathologist to join our team.

The role includes identifying students with communication problems, planning and implementing appropriate treatments, and ensuring that students improve their speech, language, and other related skills.

The ideal candidate is a skilled professional with a deep understanding of speech-related conditions, excellent diagnostic abilities, and strong patient management skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and diagnose speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
• Develop and implement individualized plans for improving students’ communication skills
• Offer guidance and counseling to students and their families on how to cope with communication problems.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to implement speech-language programs in the classroom.
• Document and maintain student progress reports and other related paperwork.
• Stay updated with the latest trends in speech-language pathology.
• Attend IEP meetings and contribute to student evaluations
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Current state license to practice Speech-Language Pathology
• At least two years of clinical experience as a Speech Language Pathologist, preferably in an educational setting
• Familiarity with various types of speech disorders and their treatments
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with students, parents, and school staff
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of assistive technology related to speech-language pathology

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Work-life balance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Speech Language Pathologist
• Work Environment: School setting, may require travel between different school locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Special Education Director or Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a copy of your state licensure, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School Speech Language Pathologist Do?

A School Speech Language Pathologist, also known as a Speech Therapist, works primarily in educational settings to help children overcome communication problems.

These professionals evaluate, diagnose, and treat speech, language, and communication disorders in students ranging from preschool age to high school.

They work closely with teachers, parents, and other school staff to develop individualized education programs (IEPs) for students who have difficulty with speech or language.

They perform speech and language assessments to identify the areas where the student needs support, and then design and implement treatment plans to improve their communication skills.

Treatment might involve activities to improve articulation, language development, fluency, and voice regulation.

They also provide therapy for students with swallowing difficulties, which is often related to speech.

School Speech Language Pathologists may also provide education and training to teachers and parents to better support the child’s communication development at school and home.

They play a critical role in ensuring that students with speech and language disorders are able to participate fully in school and social activities.

Furthermore, they often collaborate with other professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists to provide holistic support for the child.

 

School Speech Language Pathologist Qualifications and Skills

A competent School Speech Language Pathologist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the role’s requirements, such as:

• Advanced knowledge and training in speech and language development and disorders to correctly assess and treat students.
• Experience with various treatment modalities and techniques to design and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Excellent observational skills to detect subtle cues and changes in speech, language, and voice of the students.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify underlying speech and language issues and craft appropriate therapy solutions.
• Interpersonal skills to connect and empathize with students, parents, and colleagues, building a supportive and understanding environment.
• Communication skills to listen and understand student’s needs, as well as explain complex speech and language concepts in simple terms to students, parents, and teachers.
• Patience and persistence to encourage students during challenging therapy sessions and celebrate small improvements.
• Ability to work in a team, often collaborating with teachers, psychologists, and other school staff to ensure the student’s overall wellbeing and success.
• Knowledge of legal regulations and ethical guidelines governing the practice of speech-language pathology in schools.

 

School Speech Language Pathologist Experience Requirements

Entry-level School Speech Language Pathologists are typically fresh graduates from a Master’s program in Speech-Language Pathology.

Their experience is often gained from the extensive supervised clinical practicum hours they complete as part of their degree program.

Some may have additional experience from internships or part-time roles in healthcare facilities, schools, or private practice during their studies.

These roles allow candidates to gain hands-on experience diagnosing and treating a variety of communication and swallowing disorders, while under the supervision of a licensed professional.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience often have a range of clinical experiences from their previous work settings.

They are expected to have expertise in developing and implementing treatment plans, working with diverse populations, and collaborating with other professionals such as teachers and psychologists.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may possess a higher level of specialized knowledge and skills, gained from working with specific populations such as children with autism or adults with aphasia.

They may also have experience supervising and training entry-level Speech Language Pathologists.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are often considered for leadership roles, such as Department Heads or Program Coordinators, as they have likely developed skills in program development, management, and leadership in addition to their clinical expertise.

 

School Speech Language Pathologist Education and Training Requirements

School Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) typically require a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

The coursework usually includes anatomy, physiology, the nature of disorders, and principles of acoustics, psychology, and development.

It also includes significant clinical training experience under a licensed and experienced SLP.

SLPs must also pass a national examination on speech-language pathology, often referred to as the Praxis Examination in Speech-Language Pathology.

After graduation, a clinical fellowship year is required, which involves working with clients under the supervision of a licensed SLP.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship, the SLP is then eligible to apply for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP), awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Most states require SLPs to be licensed, which usually requires the individual to have completed the aforementioned education and clinical fellowship, as well as passing the Praxis Examination.

Continuing education to keep up with the latest research and treatment methods is vital.

Some SLPs may also choose to pursue a doctoral degree, although this is not a requirement for most positions.

 

School Speech Language Pathologist Salary Expectations

A School Speech Language Pathologist earns an average salary of $61,172 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on the individual’s level of education, years of experience, the location of the school, and the district in which they work.

 

School Speech Language Pathologist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a School Speech Language Pathologist need?

A School Speech Language Pathologist must hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

They also need to be licensed in their state, which typically involves passing a national exam, completing a clinical fellowship, and continuing education.

Some states also require additional certification to work in a school setting.

 

What skills are important for a School Speech Language Pathologist?

School Speech Language Pathologists need excellent communication skills, as they work with students, parents, and school staff to address speech and language issues.

They should also have strong analytical skills to diagnose speech and language disorders.

Patience is key when working with students who have difficulties with communication.

They should also be empathetic and supportive, as the students they work with can often become frustrated.

 

What does a typical day look like for a School Speech Language Pathologist?

A typical day for a School Speech Language Pathologist might include assessing students for speech and language disorders, designing and implementing therapy plans, and tracking students’ progress.

They might also spend time communicating with parents and teachers about students’ progress and needs.

Furthermore, they could spend part of their day on administrative tasks like documenting therapy sessions and participating in meetings with other school staff.

 

What should you look for in a School Speech Language Pathologist resume?

When reviewing a School Speech Language Pathologist resume, look for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and state licensure.

Also look for experience working with children or in a school setting.

Any specialized training or experience, such as working with children with autism or other specific disorders, can also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good School Speech Language Pathologist?

A good School Speech Language Pathologist is patient, as progress can be slow and students may become frustrated.

They should be compassionate and understanding, as they often work with students who struggle with communication.

Strong communication skills are also essential, as they need to be able to explain complex concepts to students, parents, and teachers.

They should also be organized and detail-oriented to keep track of students’ progress and therapy plans.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we have delved into the true essence of being a School Speech Language Pathologist.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about improving speech.

It’s about shaping the future, one voice at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive School Speech Language Pathologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your tool for creating laser-focused job listings or for refining your resume to the utmost precision.

Remember:

Every word uttered is a step towards a better future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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