Alabama Teacher Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The following information summarizes the requirements currently necessary to begin work in the public school system as an:

Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist.

The information below has been collected by researching individual state department of education regulations and policy documents, state administrative code provisions and by contacting each state department of education. Please be advised that regulations and policy may change at any time, so always check with your state department of education for the most up-to-date information.

Audiologist

Audiologists in the public schools are contract employees and do not fall under specific teacher requirements of the State Department of Education. State licensure is typically required for practice in the schools.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Professional Educator Certificate Endorsed in Speech and Language Impairment

An individual seeking a Professional Educator Certificate in Speech and Language Impairment must complete the Alabama Prospective Teacher Testing Program for initial certification and have the following:

• An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned master's degree; and
• A passing score on a comprehensive assessment documenting mastery of the curriculum of the speech and language impaired program, which may include but may not be limited to, an oral examination; and
• Satisfactory completion of a state-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all courses in the approved program for speech and language pathology including an internship in a P–12 school(s) setting of at least 300 clock hours; or a valid speech-language pathology license issued by a state board of examiners in speech pathology and audiology.

Preliminary Certificate Approach

An individual who holds at least a master's degree in speech-language pathology but has not completed all requirements for professional certification may be eligible for preliminary certification. This may only be issued at the request of an employing superintendent or administrator in Alabama and allows up to three years employment. Individuals must also complete the Prospective Teacher Testing Program. Professional educator certificates resulting from the Preliminary Certificate approach may be issued upon the completion of all certification requirements, including two years of full-time satisfactory teaching experience with speech-language impaired students while holding the preliminary certificate.

Continuing Education Requirement

Continuation of the Professional Educator Certificate during the five year validity period may be continued with verification of one of the following:

• Three full years of full-time educational experience and 50 clock hours of professional development or 3 semester hours of allowable college credit; or
• Six semester hours of allowable college credit; or
• Three semester hours of allowable college credit and 50 clock hours of professional development; or
• Initial issuance of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification.

Emergency Certification

Emergency certification may be issued for individuals with a bachelor's degree at the request of the employing superintendent or administrator in cases of emergency when an individual with Alabama certification is not available. It is valid only for the school year and cannot be renewed.

Resources

The information contained herein was collected and summarized annually. For detailed information on teacher certification requirements, contact the state department of education and visit these websites:

State Department of Education Teacher Certification

State Board of Education Teacher Certification Regulations [PDF]

Questions regarding this document? Call ASHA at 800-498-2071 and ask for the State Advocacy Team.