SY 26-27 Speech & Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA)

Fitchburg School District•Fitchburg, MA

10d

About The Position

The Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant provides speech and language services and appropriate interventions to eligible students under the direction of a licensed supervisor. The assistant maintains special education records and documentation as directed by the supervisor and supports students’ academic and social-emotional growth. The role includes classroom instruction, student and family conferences, collaboration with colleagues, and active participation in curriculum development, activities, and pedagogy. The assistant plans and provides individual and group therapy consistent with students’ IEP speech and language goals, participates in assigned Team processes, and contributes to assessing student progress and readiness to end therapy under the supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. The role also involves collaborating with teachers, monitoring student needs and progress, maintaining records, communicating with staff and families, supporting classroom learning, and following applicable district, state, and federal policies and regulations. The position reports to the Principal, SPSA, and/or Director of Special Education and is evaluated by those administrators. Employment terms, salary, and work year are negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Education Association. An employment offer is contingent on successful completion of fingerprinting and CORI checks before the start of employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Valid Massachusetts license as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
Knowledge of the habilitation and rehabilitation of speech, language, and hearing disorders.
Knowledge of current education legislation and regulations.
Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children to solve problems effectively.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, and ability to work with all stakeholders.
Commitment to increasing students’ personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to help each student achieve at the highest level.
Successful completion of required fingerprinting and CORI checks before starting employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Plan and provide individual and group therapy consistent with speech and language goals in students’ IEPs under the direction of the licensed supervisor.
Participate in the Team process as assigned by the supervisor.
Participate, under the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist, in determining student progress and readiness for termination of therapy services.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom-based activities that improve students’ oral and written language skills.
Attend regularly scheduled speech therapy meetings.
Compile, maintain, and file required reports, records, and other documents.
Comply with applicable federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules and regulations, and licensing-board requirements for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Monitor the progress and needs of students with speech or language disorders and develop goals and objectives.
Meet with students regularly according to treatment schedules and maintain records of their progress.
Report progress to appropriate staff and meet regularly with them to discuss evaluations of students’ skills as demonstrated in classroom performance and social interaction.
Provide learning experiences guided by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district standards and requirements, while creating an environment conducive to student learning.
Differentiate instruction and provide appropriate learning opportunities using the response-to-intervention framework.
Implement the district’s mission, educational philosophy, instructional standards, and objectives.
Document student progress and concerns and seek assistance from additional district specialists as required.
Monitor and supervise students through effective classroom management.
Promote high standards and expectations for student achievement.
Use innovative approaches and instructional strategies, including effective use of technology, to increase student learning and confidence.
Follow professional practices consistent with district policies when working with students, parents, and colleagues.
Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy.
Maintain and improve professional competence through professional development and self-generated activities that meet district expectations and recertification requirements.
Assist administration with implementing policies and rules governing student life and conduct; develop reasonable classroom behavior and procedure rules and maintain order fairly.
Establish and maintain open communication with students, colleagues, and parents about students’ academic and behavioral progress.
Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable learning opportunities, including strategies for students with special needs, 504 plans, and/or second-language learners.
Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal or assistant principal.