Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in Tennessee public schools are licensed specialists who diagnose and treat communication disorders that interfere with a student's ability to learn. They serve as critical members of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) teams who support literacy and academic success.

• Assessments & Evaluations
  :
  Conduct formal screenings and diagnostic evaluations for speech, language, voice, fluency, and hearing disorders in accordance with Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) eligibility criteria.
• Therapeutic Intervention
  :
  Provide direct therapy sessions (individual or group) focusing on articulation, language comprehension, and social communication.
• IEP Development
  :
  Lead the creation of communication-based goals and objectives within a student's IEP, ensuring they align with state curriculum standards.
• Collaboration
  :
  Consult with teachers, parents, and medical professionals to integrate therapy goals into the classroom and home environments.
• Documentation & Compliance
  :
  Maintain detailed logs of student progress, activity logs for Medicaid billing
  , and all required special education paperwork to ensure legal compliance.

• Education
  : A Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders from a CAA-accredited program is mandatory.
• Licensure
  :
  Must hold two specific credentials:
• A valid clinical license from the Tennessee Board of Communication Disorders and Sciences.
• A School Services Personnel license with an SLP endorsement from the TDOE.
• Certification
  :
  While often listed as preferred, many districts strongly favor candidates with the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and may offer a salary supplement for it.
• National Exam
  :
  Passing score of 162 or higher on the Praxis SLP Examination.

• Mobility
  :
  Ability to travel between multiple school sites as assigned.
• Assistive Technology
  :
  Proficiency in using and training others on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
• Interpersonal
  :
  Strong "coping skills" for managing student behavior and the ability to work under pressure with frequent interruptions.