If you’re a speech-language pathologist, you know it takes expertise, creativity, empathy, and understanding to support your clients and help them grow. But what about SLPs who help students? 

If you&rsquo;re a speech-language pathologist, you know it takes expertise,
 creativity, empathy, and understanding to support your clients and help them
 grow. But what about SLPs who help students? What personality traits and
 specialized skills are essential for SLPs who work in private, public, or
 charter schools? Effective school-based SLPs are:


<ol>
 <li>
 Passionate &ndash; Working with children requires a high level of passion
 and commitment. A genuine love for speech, education, and children is the
 perfect combination for a successful career as a school-based SLP.
 </li>
 
 <li>
 Articulate &ndash; Your pronunciation is crucial. Kids take their verbal
 cues by watching and listening to you as you speak, so precise articulation
 is key.
 </li>
 
 <li>
 Team Player &ndash; In a school setting, you will work with a
 multidisciplinary team comprised of a combination of school psychologists,
 special education teachers, social workers, occupational therapists, and
 physical therapists. Being a team player is mandatory for cohesively working
 with various colleagues and developing plans and goals that are in the best
 interest of each child.
 </li>
 
 <li>
 Adaptable &ndash; Each child has different needs. SLPs must be highly
 adaptable even when providing services in various environments. This career
 allows you to provide in-home, virtual/remote, or face-to-face services.
 </li>
 
 <li>
 Organized &ndash; Between IEP meetings, therapy sessions, documentation, and
 billing, organization is a highly desired trait. To stay organized, use a
 calendar and other productivity resources, and don&rsquo;t be afraid to ask
 other school-based SLPs what works for them.
 </li>
 
 <li>
 Resourceful &ndash; Being able to find and use a variety of resources is
 vital. Remember, sometimes, the smallest thing can turn out to be monumental
 and can encourage a child to speak. Something simple, such as a favorite
 character or squishy toy, may motivate your children to open up and practice
 their speech, so don&rsquo;t be afraid to explore activities using what you
 have on hand.
 </li>
 
 <li>
 Insightful &ndash; It&rsquo;s important to be able to read between the
 lines. Some kids may be too young to speak or may be completely non-verbal.
 As a speech-language pathologist, it&#39;s essential to pick up on body
 language so you can gauge your kids&rsquo; willingness or hesitation to
 participate.
 </li>
 
 <li>
 Patient &ndash; Children don&rsquo;t just sit still for their entire
 30-minute or 1-hour session. There may be lots of movement, outbursts, and
 bathroom breaks. Be prepared to be patient and familiarize yourself with
 each child&rsquo;s routines.
 </li>
</ol>

8 Skills You’ll Need to be a School-Based SLP