Speech Language Pathologist | St. Louis Park Middle School

Teacher - Speech Language Pathologist

The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) provides assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, voice, fluency, and communication disorders in students. The SLP works collaboratively with educators, families, and other specialists to support students' communication needs in educational settings.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts screenings, evaluations, and re-evaluations to identify speech and language impairments.
• Analyzes assessment data to determine eligibility for speech-language services.
• Develops comprehensive evaluation reports and shares findings with educators and families.
• Develops and implements Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals based on student needs.
• Provides direct and indirect speech-language therapy services in individual, small-group, and classroom settings.
• Uses evidence-based interventions to improve speech, language, fluency, voice, and communication skills.
• Monitors student progress and adjusts therapy plans as necessary. Works closely with teachers, special educators, school psychologists, and other support staff to integrate speech-language strategies into instruction.
• Provides training and guidance to staff on speech and language development and strategies to support students.
• Engages with parents/guardians to provide resources, strategies, and updates on student progress.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and timely student records, including evaluation reports, therapy logs, and progress reports.
• Ensures compliance with federal and state special education laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA) and district policies.
• Participates in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, and professional learning communities. Educates staff and families on the impact of speech and language disorders on learning and social interaction.
• Stays current with research, trends, and best practices in speech-language pathology.
• Participates in professional development and seeks continuing education to maintain licensure and certification.
• Other duties as assigned by department/site leadership.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Speech-Language Pathology Principles In-depth understanding of speech, language, voice, fluency, and communication disorders.
• Assessment & Evaluation Knowledge of standardized tests, informal assessment techniques, and eligibility criteria for speech-language services.
• Intervention Strategies Familiarity with evidence-based treatment methods for speech and language disorders in school-aged children.
• Special Education Laws & Regulations Understanding of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and other federal/state policies related to special education services.
• Child Development & Learning Awareness of typical and atypical speech, language, and literacy development and their impact on academic success.
• Assistive Technology & AAC Knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices and other speech-language support technologies.
• Assessment & Diagnosis Ability to conduct screenings, comprehensive evaluations, and re-evaluations to identify speech-language impairments.
• Therapy Implementation Skill in developing and delivering individualized speech-language therapy interventions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork Ability to work effectively with teachers, administrators, specialists, and families to support student needs.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with students, staff, and parents.
• Record-Keeping & Documentation Proficiency in maintaining accurate and timely records, including IEP documentation, progress reports, and compliance paperwork.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making Ability to analyze student needs and adapt interventions to ensure meaningful progress.
• Adaptability & Flexibility Capacity to adjust interventions based on student progress, classroom needs, and changing caseloads.
• Student Advocacy Commitment to advocating for students' communication needs within the school environment.
• Cultural Competence Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and families.
• Organizational & Time Management Skills Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, including therapy sessions, evaluations, meetings, and documentation.
• Professionalism & Ethical Practice Commitment to ethical standards and professional guidelines, including adherence to ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Code of Ethics.

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods during therapy sessions, assessments, meetings, and documentation.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and move between classrooms, therapy spaces, and offices.
• Occasional bending, kneeling, and crouching to interact with students at their level, particularly younger children.
• May involve occasional lifting and carrying of materials such as therapy equipment, assessment tools, and student records (typically up to 25 lbs).
• Strong verbal communication skills required for speech modeling, instruction, and collaboration with students, staff, and families.
• Adequate hearing ability to assess speech and language development and respond to student needs in classroom and therapy settings.
• Sufficient visual acuity for reading assessment materials, documentation, and monitoring nonverbal communication cues.
• Manual dexterity required for handling therapy tools, writing reports, and using assistive communication devices.
• Ability to operate technology-based tools (e.g., computers, tablets, AAC devices, and speech-related software).
• Ability to sustain focus and attention while assessing and treating students.
• Emotional resilience to manage challenging behaviors, student frustrations, and sensitive conversations with families.
• Capacity to multi-task and prioritize in a dynamic school environment with shifting demands.

Work Environment

• Setting: Works in classrooms, therapy rooms, special education spaces, and multiple school sites. May provide integrated classroom support or teletherapy.
• Schedule: Follows the school-year calendar with standard school hours and occasional meetings.
• Collaboration: Works with students, teachers, special education staff, administrators, and families. Attends IEP and staff meetings.
• Environment: May encounter noise, frequent movement, and varying student behaviors. Uses technology for therapy and documentation.
• Emotional Factors: Supports students with communication and behavioral challenges, requiring patience and problem-solving skills.

Education and/or Experience

• Education: Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Experience: Prior experience in a school setting is preferred but not required. Clinical fellowship (CF) opportunities may be available.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with IDEA, IEP development, speech-language assessments, and evidence-based interventions for school-aged children.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Licensure/Certification: State licensure and/or ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) preferred.

Benefit Information

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract.