While there are many benefits to becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist, a few of the main attraction points are the flexibility it entails and the variability in opportunities. Obtaining the CCC-SLP credential is an important step for those considering a school-based SLP job, as it is often required for practice in schools. Many school-based SLP jobs involve working with children and adolescents, where SLPs play a crucial role in supporting communication, academic success, and social skills, highlighting the significant educational impact of their work. If you’re ever feeling stagnant in your position, you can easily work within different populations, specialty areas, or settings. This can range from choosing an SNF opportunity to becoming a school-based SLP.
If you’re considering becoming a school-based SLP, this list will discuss the various pros and cons and help guide you to determine if it’s the type of setting you can envision in your future. The focus of a school speech language pathologist is on supporting students' communication and academic success within the educational environment. For SLPs making the transition from other settings, such as healthcare or private practice, into a school-based SLP job, it is important to have a plan to adapt to new responsibilities and procedural requirements. There are a variety of jobs available for SLPs in school settings, offering diverse opportunities for professional growth.
Introduction to School Setting
The school setting offers a unique and rewarding environment for speech language pathologists who are passionate about making a difference in students’ lives. As a school SLP, you become an integral part of the education system, working within the framework of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to support students with speech and language disorders. School-based SLPs work closely with a diverse team of professionals—including general education teachers, special education teachers, and occupational therapists—to provide comprehensive support for students across various age groups. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive the services they need to succeed academically and socially. The school setting is dynamic, requiring SLPs to be flexible and creative as they address a wide range of communication disorders and adapt their strategies to meet the needs of each student group. Whether you’re working with preschoolers just beginning their educational journey or high schoolers preparing for graduation, the school-based SLP role is all about fostering communication skills and helping students reach their full potential.
The schedule of a school-based SLP
Pro: Holidays!
One of the greatest perks of working in schools is the holidays and summers off. It provides you with an ample amount of time to recharge and serves as a focal point to keep you motivated. And if you aren’t someone who wants to idly sit around all summer long, no worries! Most school systems offer opportunities to work over the summer, either completing assessments, attending IEP meetings, or participating in Extended School Year.
Con: Pay schedule
When working as a school-based SLP, you need to make sure your budgeting skills are on point. With many school-based positions lasting 10 months, you may need to stretch out your paychecks to cover the summer months, and your pay may look less than your medical SLP counterparts. Additionally, since the school schedule allows for multiple breaks and summers off, your “personal leave” can be limited; this can make it difficult to schedule off-peak vacations. SLPs must plan their week carefully to provide services efficiently within the constraints of the school schedule.
The school-based SLP's caseload
Pro: Working with a variety of disorders, needs, and behaviors.
Working in the school system is always going to provide challenges that may vary compared to other typical settings. With such a young age group, you will need to think outside the box! SLPs often use small groups and group therapy to address the needs of multiple students efficiently. The individualized education program (IEP) plays a central role in guiding services tailored to each student's unique needs. While the fundamentals of clinical practice remain consistent across settings, the responsibilities and reasonable workloads in schools can differ, especially with paperwork, service delivery, and team collaboration. Get creative, engage in continuing education, and collaborate with other professionals to problem solve. It’s a great field to feel challenged professionally and is an extremely rewarding experience.
Con: High caseload numbers
Caseloads in the school system vary based on your location. Typically, your caseload can fluctuate between 45-55, but in some cases, you may be working with upwards of 100 students at a time. High caseload numbers can seem intimidating, especially if it isn’t something you’ve experienced before. Maintaining reasonable workloads is essential to ensure effective service delivery and to meet each student's needs. However, over time you will adjust, you just need to be patient!
Paperwork!
As an SLP in the medical field, you may be required to demonstrate productivity and document how you are spending your time. Some medical settings require productivity as high as 92 percent. This means that 92 percent of your day must be spent directly working with patients, figuring out how to fit documentation, meetings, and family education into the remaining 8 percent of your day. These standards do not exist in the school-based setting! In schools, SLPs often utilize resource rooms and various resource materials to support their documentation and service delivery.
Con: Documentation, IEPs, Medical Assistance
Although school-based SLPs do not need to demonstrate productivity standards, we still have our fair share of paperwork! Obviously, IEP development is a big part of our job, but it’s only a fraction of the paperwork required. You must be organized and efficient in completing additional documentation, including attendance sheets, daily progress logs, quarterly progress updates, and medical assistance forms. Evaluations and screenings also take up a lot of time in your busy day. It is also important to document each student's response as part of the Response to Intervention (RTI) process, as this data helps inform targeted interventions and track progress.
Side note: Although this documentation can be overwhelming, it does get easier to organize year after year. I always tell new CFs: Year one is all about survival. Once you get through the first year, you figure out your organizational “groove” and things get easier. Don’t get me wrong, I still haven’t perfected the art of effective data collection and documentation, but it does get better.
The school-based populations
Pro: Opportunities to work with a variety of students
One of the greatest parts of working in the schools is you will never get bored! You will always meet new students who challenge you and force you to learn new intervention strategies or consider teaching a skill in a different way. In contrast to private practice, where you may work with a broader age range and often see clients one-on-one in a more flexible environment, school-based SLPs primarily serve children in group settings within the educational system. Additionally, my district offers multiple programs for students with more significant needs (e.g. AAC, Autism, Emotional Disabilities, Early Intervention), which I can apply to should I need a change or a new challenge.
Con: Mixed groups
One of the biggest challenges my graduate interns face when starting therapy in the schools is managing mixed groups. Since scheduling can be a challenge (working around teachers, specialists, and other schedules), you may be faced with providing therapy for students working on articulation, language, AND fluency all in one group. Not only do you need to produce lessons targeting different skills and abilities, but you also have to manage various behaviors.
Collaboration in school
Pro: Working as a TEAM
Within the school setting, you work with a team of professionals, tackling student needs from a variety of lenses. Our team typically consists of an administrator, school psychologist, school counselor, general education teacher, special education teacher, Occupational Therapist, and Speech-Language Pathologist. Being part of the school team is essential, as it allows for collaboration with educators, other professionals, and paraprofessionals to support students' communication needs. Having a team of professionals is AMAZING because you can both collaborate with teachers in the classroom and brainstorm ideas with other professionals.
Con: Being the only SLP in the building
One of the loneliest parts of our job can be the fact that you may be the only SLP in the building. You may have other professionals to talk to, but sometimes you need another SLP who just gets it. But don’t worry, you will meet other SLPs within your district — or through online groups — who will support and encourage you!
Clinical Fellowship Experience
The clinical fellowship is a pivotal step for any aspiring speech language pathologist, especially those interested in working in a school setting. During this supervised experience, new SLPs have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations, working directly with students who have communication disorders. The clinical fellowship allows SLPs to develop essential skills in assessment, intervention, and collaboration with other professionals, all while learning how to navigate the unique challenges of the school environment. Fellows gain firsthand experience in creating and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs), supporting students in the least restrictive environment, and adapting their approaches to meet the diverse needs of the school population. This period of mentorship and growth helps build the confidence and clinical competence needed to thrive as a school-based SLP, ensuring that new professionals are well-prepared to provide high-quality services to students.
Educational Requirements
Becoming a school SLP requires a solid educational foundation in speech language pathology. Prospective SLPs must earn a master’s degree from an accredited program, where they study topics such as speech and language development, assessment and treatment of communication disorders, and strategies for supporting students with disabilities in educational settings. In addition to coursework, aspiring SLPs complete a clinical fellowship, gaining hands-on experience in schools or other settings. Passing the Praxis exam in speech-language pathology is also necessary for certification through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Depending on the state, additional requirements—such as a teaching certificate or endorsement—may be needed to work in public schools. These educational steps ensure that school SLPs are well-equipped to assess, diagnose, and provide effective services to students with a variety of speech and language needs.
Professional Development Opportunities
Ongoing professional development is key for school SLPs who want to stay at the forefront of speech language pathology. The field is always evolving, and school-based SLPs benefit from regular opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) offers a wide range of professional development options, including conferences, workshops, and online courses tailored to the needs of school SLPs. Many school districts also provide in-service training, mentoring programs, and other resources to support SLPs in their roles. Joining professional organizations—such as state speech-language-hearing associations—can help SLPs connect with other professionals, share resources, and stay informed about the latest research and best practices in school-based speech language pathology. By investing in professional development, school SLPs can continue to provide high-quality support to their students and grow in their careers.
Technology in School-Based SLP
Technology is transforming the way school-based SLPs deliver services and support students with communication disorders. From digital assessment tools to telepractice platforms, technology enables SLPs to reach more students and provide flexible, individualized services—even in rural or underserved areas. School SLPs can use technology to develop and manage individualized education programs (IEPs), track student progress, and communicate efficiently with parents and other professionals. Online forums and social media groups also make it easier for SLPs to collaborate, share resources, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in speech language pathology. By embracing technology, school-based SLPs can enhance their service delivery, streamline documentation, and ultimately improve outcomes for students with speech and language disorders.
Can you think of any other pros and cons you have experienced in the schools? Comment below!
