Burnout is an all-too-common reality for many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in today’s fast-paced, demanding work environment. The endless paperwork, packed schedules, and constant travel from school to school can take a toll. If you’re looking for a way to reignite your passion for your career, switching to teletherapy might be the lifeline you need.

Securing a teletherapy SLP position is a significant step in your career journey, but how can you be sure it’s the right fit? The key lies in asking the right questions. A well-prepared list can help you gain a deeper understanding of the role, the company, and whether it aligns with your professional goals. Here are essential questions to guide your decision-making process.

Do you even need an introduction to this topic? After all, we’ve all likely been there and felt the challenge firsthand at some point. Navigating a large caseload as an SLP can often feel like you're steering a ship through a stormy sea. Balancing numerous cases with varying needs demands not just skill but strategic finesse. As the complexity of your caseload grows, so does the pressure to deliver individualized, high-quality care to each student.

As speech-language pathologists (SLPs), May is a month close to our hearts—it's National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, a time dedicated to celebrating our profession and raising awareness about the critical role we play in the lives of individuals with communication disorders. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for our profession and educating others about what we do.

Embarking on a career change can seem a bit daunting, and many questions might be swirling in your mind. How do you know when it's the right time for a switch? What options are available for SLPs looking for change?

Advocacy often feels like a lofty goal, a mountain we know we should be climbing, but the path to the summit can be a bit hazy. How can we best represent our profession and make our voices heard?

Let's talk about something that's like the secret ingredient to our speech therapy success: parent communication. Yes, I'm talking about those vital connections we build with parents that can make all the difference in our students' progress. So grab a comfy chair and your favorite mug of something warm – it's time to dive into the world of parent-SLP partnerships!

Transitioning to teletherapy can be overwhelming, but don't worry! Start by understanding your state/district's expectations. Familiarize yourself with teletherapy through videos, podcasts, and blog posts. Choose a virtual platform approved by your district. Select a few programs/websites that work for you, such as Boom Learning, ReadWorks, Wheel of Names, Vooks, SLP Now, and YouTube. Learn how to manipulate digital products using tools like Kami. These resources will support your journey as a teletherapist and make the transition smoother. You've got this!

Start with foundational courses on IEPs, data collection, goal writing, AAC, and dismissal decisions. For preschool/elementary, explore language and literacy, phonological processes, grammar, and language sampling. For middle/high school, focus on social language, collaboration, grammar, and residual sound errors. If you're in teletherapy, learn the basics and creative strategies. And for professional issues, advocate effectively and think outside the box for service delivery.

SpeechPathology.com is a cost-effective solution for earning CEUs. For only $99/year, you get unlimited access to a wide range of courses. I've taken courses on various topics like hearing loss, stuttering, /r/ therapy, and AAC. The flexibility to choose from live, recorded, video, audio, or text-based courses is fantastic. If a course isn't what I expected, I can switch to another. It's been a money and time-saving resource for me. Join using my affiliate link with code KAYLASLP for a free month and stay up-to-date on relevant topics.

Are you a speech-language pathologist working with preschoolers? Discover how to make the most of your SLP NOW membership with these three favorite ways to engage your preschool students. Start with books and companions, using themed books and activity packs to facilitate language development. Then, incorporate hands-on crafts that reinforce vocabulary, sequencing, and articulation skills. Finally, utilize extension activities for carryover and less structured practice. With SLP NOW, you have a wealth of resources to create engaging and effective therapy sessions for your preschoolers. Enjoy exploring the themes and activities that both you and your students will love!

Discover essential reference books to simplify your SLP journey. From "Language Disorders from Infancy through Adolescence" to "Eliciting Sounds," these resources offer research-based interventions and practical solutions. Don't miss "The Reading Teacher's Book of Lists" for vocabulary ideas and "IEP Goal Writing" for aligning goals. Explore bonus resources like "Advanced Review of Speech-Language Pathology" and speechpathology.com for targeted topics. Simplify and enhance your practice with these invaluable resources.

Writing IEP goals can be challenging, but with a few "make sure" tips, you can create better goals. Include the ABCDEFs (Audience, Behavior, Condition, Degree, Evidence, Frequency) to cover all aspects. Know how to measure the goal clearly and simplify as much as possible. Keep goals specific, targeting specific skills instead of combining multiple skills. Be realistic in your expectations and aim for progress. Lastly, have a peer proofread your goals to catch any mistakes or clarity issues. Writing better goals will lead to more effective therapy and better outcomes for your students.

The first year as an SLP can be challenging, with requirements like completing a clinical fellowship year (CFY) and potentially a teacher internship program. Observation and evaluation will be frequent, but use them as opportunities for growth. Building up your supplies and organizing your therapy space is crucial. Providing therapy is the rewarding part, where you'll create schedules, collaborate, evaluate, and be loved by the students. It may feel overwhelming, but remember that it gets easier after the first year.