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I read with interest the article on "The National Discussion on School Vacancies." I must say that working in the public schools since 1995 has been a rude awakening. I have a post-graduate degree in Speech Disorders, and unlike any other setting, I am treated with very little respect. There is so little understanding of our education and expertise that it is sad and disheartening. I have done in-services trying to explain our training and the types of language and speech disorders. Teachers and administrators know so little about us.
One major problem is that "in the old days" the SLPs had four-year degrees and were called "speech teachers." That is how they still refer to us in the schools here. The paperwork seems to be the most important thing to the "powers that be" because that is where they get their money. The children and good therapy with a reasonable group size seem to be way down the list.
This year I had 62 children at six different locations. I told the Exceptional Children Director it was an impossible challenge and all she said was "just do it." They expect perfect paperwork, and progress reports sent home every 4 1/2 weeks. I, on the other hand, want to see some results with the children. It's really unfair to the children and the SLP. I love the kids and the vacations but even that isn't worth the Lexapro I've had to begin.
Someone needs to educate educators about our specialty.
Ginny Gora
Blowing Rock, NC
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