I've spent a lot of time lately reading Speech Blogs. While most of them have some great ideas that I'm anxious to use in my therapy, I've realized that I've got some ideas that may make some things easier for the "younger" Speech Pathologists (SLPs).
I am in my 29th year in my profession. My job titles have been Speech Therapist, Speech Clinician, and Speech Pathologist. All but 2 of the 29 years have been in a public school system (I did a two year stint for a rehab company that contracted with nursing homes). I've worked in 6 school systems in 3 states, and came away from each system with invaluable experience. I don't plan on leaving the job I have now until I retire, which will probably be in 10-15 years.
I'm a traditionalist in many ways: My articulation therapy is "old school" with a few tweaks here and there that I've discovered through the years. While I have done "push-in" therapy (inclusion) in the past, I have a hard time believing that my students are really getting what they need without receiving small group attention. Maybe I'm just not doing it right...that's where the younger SLPs may be able to help me with ideas!
While it would appear that I'm close to retirement, I'm still going strong and am nowhere near being burned out. I'm all for learning new techniques that increase the progress of my students. Heck, I'll try just about anything if it will help!
I began my career right after undergrad school, back when states were transitioning to requiring a Master's Degree to work in the schools. 5 years later (and driving 1.5 hours a couple of times/week for 2 years after working all day in the schools), I had my Master's Degree in hand. I was lucky enough to have a job waiting for me when I graduated with my B.S., and I was lucky enough to work for a school system that financially helped me with my graduate tuition.
In this blog, I will talk about my therapy room, therapy techniques that work for me, behavior management, working with parents and staff, and homework. All of these are just my opinions, and what I have found works best for me. It's not that my way is the only way, it's just the way that works best for me. If I can help one other SLP find an easier, better way of doing things, then I will have completed my objective for this blog!
My "pseudonames" are tnslp on Instagram, tnslp29 on Twitter, and blountslp on Pinterest. You may even see "Life in a Small Town" through my personal blog that I've had for a couple of years. Oh, and I love Teachers Pay Teachers, but only as a buyer! I just don't have enough creativity in me to actually create things and sell them!
If you're an SLP and ever have suggestions, by all means, let me know. After all, we're all in this together!
I am looking forward to following you. I have been an SLP for 25 years and feel the same way as you.
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