Ways To Thank Your School’s Educational Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month—a time to show appreciation to the amazing professionals who help students effectively communicate and eat safely in schools across the country.

It’s important to recognize educational audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs)—as well as audiology and speech-language pathology assistants—for their hard work, dedication, and unique contributions to the school community.

Here are some ideas to express gratitude for all they do to help children thrive.

Students and Families

• Write a thank-you note to your child’s educational audiologist, SLP, audiology assistant, and/or speech-language pathology assistant. You can either (a) use a pre-made version and write a customized message or (b) draw your own.
• Create a fun sign that shows them how much you value and appreciate them. Take a picture of your sign and email the photo to them—or put it in their mailbox, display it on their office door, or bring it to their room. Use these templates for audiologists, SLPs, audiology assistants, and speech-language pathology assistants.
• Ask if they need any supplies, which may be running low as the end of the school year approaches, and then buy a small assortment of those items or have them delivered to the school.

School Staff and PTA/PTO Leaders

• Invite students to create signs that explain how educational audiologists, SLPs, audiology assistants, and speech-language pathology assistants help them—and hang the signs together on a bulletin board display near the front office.
• Thank them during the morning announcements and on the school’s outdoor marquee.
• Spotlight them on the school’s website or on the administration’s social media account(s).
• Be sure to include them in Teacher Appreciation Week activities.
• Invite them to give a presentation at a PTA/PTO meeting or as part of a career day.

Through these and other expressions of gratitude, we can help these hard-working professionals feel appreciated. This is important during May—and year-round.