Speech Teacher

Speech Teacher

Under the general supervision of the administrator, school-based speech-language pathologists provide prevention, assessment, and remediation services for students who exhibit difficulties in the areas of language, speech, voice, and fluency utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration. These services are designed to help children meet their educational goals.

Essential Functions:

• Monitor students' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Evaluate hearing and speech/language test results and medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, and swallowing disorders.
• Administer hearing or speech/language evaluations, tests, or examinations to students to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written and oral tests and special instruments.
• Record information on the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of students.
• Develop and implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, and inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, and social workers.
• Develop individual or group programs in schools to deal with speech or language problems.
• Instruct students in techniques for more effective communication, including sign language, lip reading, and voice improvement.
• Teach students to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, and breathing mechanisms.
• Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
• Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics such as communication strategies and speech and language stimulation.
• Instruct students and family members in strategies to cope with or avoid communication-related misunderstandings.
• Design, develop, and employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices and strategies.
• Conduct lessons and direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.
• Refer students to additional medical or educational services if needed.
• Participate in conferences or training, or publish research results, to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
• Communicate with non-speaking students, using sign language or computer technology.
• Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.
• Use computer applications to identify and assist with communication disabilities.
• Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics, and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.

Additional Duties:

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the administrator and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements:

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledgeable of the principles and practices of communicative disorders including; dysphagia, and other disciplines.
• Ability to evaluate, plan and implement therapy including dysphagia rehabilitation program for individual patients.
• Ability to explain, demonstrate and teach speech and swallowing rehabilitative measure.
• Ability to supervise support personnel.
• Ability to work effectively with others in an inter-disciplinary team relationship.
• Ability to be self-directing and to seek direction and consultation as needed.
• Ability to express oneself clearly verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates competence within the scope of practice including age and condition appropriate considerations.
• Demonstrates personal and professional integrity and interest in growth and learning.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

Certification/License:

• New York State Licensed Speech Language Pathologist.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education:

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in related area preferred.

Experience:

• Successful prior teaching experiences in English a plus.