How to get work in speech therapy in schools.

To get work in speech therapy in schools, it’s important to understand your options, including contracting with school staffing agencies or working directly with a school district. 

Finding work as a pediatric speech language therapist (SLP) in schools:

• SLPs often work as a part of their school or district’s special education team. 
• If hired as a school district employee, an SLP serves as part of a district-wide team but may lower the amount of autonomy at work. 
• Independent contractors through a staffing agency maintain a level of independence without having to worry about contracts, billing, or benefits.  

Becoming a school speech language pathologist.

Speech and language pathologists, or SLPs, are professionals who evaluate, diagnose, and treat disorders related to speech, language, communication, and swallowing. SLPs can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and more. 

Most states require the following to become a licensed speech and language pathologist: 

• Master’s degree in speech and language pathology from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation 

• Supervised clinical experience during your master’s program 

• Supervised clinical fellowship of at least 36 weeks following graduation from your master’s program 

• Passing score on the Praxis exam in speech and language pathology 

• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech and Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association 

• Licensure from state-specific medical and/or health licensure board 

What does a speech and language therapist in schools do?

In schools, speech and language therapists work with students who communicate differently and may struggle to learn, interact socially, or participate in classroom activities due to these differences. 

In a school setting, speech and language pathologists work with students, teachers, parents, and administrators to: 

• Assess and diagnose: SLPs in schools evaluate students and identify conditions like speech delays, language impairments, social communication difficulties, articulation disorders, fluency issues, voice disorders, swallowing difficulties, and more. 

• Intervene and treat: Speech and language pathologists develop individualized therapy plans to help students improve clarity and communication skills. They may also help non-verbal students develop alternative communication methods, such as sign language. 

• Collaborate and train: SLPs help teachers, special education staff members, and parents support their students in and out of the classroom. 

• Advocate and support: Speech and language pathologists help students build confidence and social skills around communication, ensure students receive the accommodations they need to thrive, and advise families on how they can continue to support their child’s language development at home. 

How to get work in speech therapy in schools: Choosing your path. 

Whether you’ve already achieved your SLP licensure or you’re considering whether becoming an SLP is the right career path for you, it’s important to consider how to get work in speech therapy in schools.

Contract with a staffing agency.

Many schools partner with contractual staffing companies to hire speech therapists on a temporary or long-term basis as independent contractors. These agencies (like our team here at Pediatric Therapeutic Services) hire and place speech and language pathologists in positions that are right for their career goals, schedules, and specialties. 

Many school-based SLPs enjoy working with staffing companies because they provide flexibility in job assignments. The staffing agency takes care of billing and negotiating contracts, so contracted SLPs get to focus solely on supporting students, teachers, and families. 

Become a school district employee.

Some SLPs choose to work directly with school districts as full-time employees. Sometimes, SLPs who are contracted with a school district provide support to one school. Others work with several schools in the district.  

No matter what option you choose, your services as a school-based SLP will offer positive, meaningful support to students, teachers, and families. 

At Pediatric Therapeutic Services, we’re here to help you make a difference. 

You became a school-based SLP to make a difference, and at Pediatric Therapeutic Services, we’re here to help you move your career forward.  

We’d love to talk with you about how we place SLPs in schools and how we can help you begin providing students with the support they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. Learn more about our current staffing opportunities. 

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