We wear a lot of hats.
My school psychologist once told me “A speech therapist’s job is divided into three parts. One part therapist, one part teacher, and one part school psychologist.” She got it. We do teach. We do evaluate. We do progress monitor. We do paperwork. But we also often have the privilege of another very important role role-We do counsel.
Someday, one of my students just might make it back to me and say, “I still have no idea what a homophone is. But when I was going through my darkest and loneliest time, I knew the speech therapy room was safe. I knew I could talk without fear. I knew when things were hard I could come for reassurance and encouragement. I felt loved and that made a difference with me.” This is why I chose this profession. It’s why I wake up at 5 am every morning and leave my baby girl. And it’s why I continue to love this job, despite the constant changes.
This Christmas, I’m reminded again of how important this role is to our students. It is often not a pretty or lovely role. There have been times I needed to call Children Services. There are times I wish I did not hear what they needed to say. But…it is often in these most vulnerable moments that make all the difference.
We can
- Teach and encourage characteristics such as integrity, honesty and forgiveness and emphasizing that sometimes these attributes are more important than getting all the answers correct on a test.
- Remind our middle school girls of their self-worth when all the value they feel comes from the boy they would do anything to please.
- Encourage the 4th grade boy to stand up for what he believes, even if he’s the only one standing.
- Listen to the girl who everyone shouts over at home.
- Be an advocate for our students in classrooms, teacher lunchrooms and during meetings.
For this New Year, I am going back to school reminded of some of the more important aspects of my job. I am ready to make a difference. I hope you’ll join me.
Come as you are. Leave encouraged.
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Queen's Speech says
December 29, 2014 at 2:23 pmFantastic post Allison! So very true in so many ways. I always dread calling Child Protection Services but someone has to be an advocate and help CHANGE these students lives. It’s sad when that happens but you know that good wi come from it. We have such a cool job, some of my favorite therapy sessions are when the lesson plans fly out the window because my students ask me questions about random things (earthquakes? Chameleons? etc.) or just need to talk!
Tamara says
December 29, 2014 at 5:45 pmHey Nicole! This is a great article. I too believe that SLPs wear all those hats! It is a honor to really have the responsibility to positively influence the life of children in so many ways. Even when their home life may not be the greatest, we can instill a glimmer of hope! Have a great last few days of the year and 2015! 🙂
Kerry says
December 29, 2014 at 5:47 pmWow! Thanks for this post! You nailed it! I always hope I am exactly that for my students! I totally agree with Queen’s Speech — also some of my favorite sessions!
Tamara Anderson says
December 29, 2014 at 5:48 pmHey Nicole! This is a great article. I too believe that SLPs wear all those hats! It is a honor to really have the responsibility to positively influence the lives of children in so many ways. Even when their home lives may not be the greatest, we can instill a glimmer of hope! Have a great last few days of the year and 2015! 🙂
Jenni Melchert says
December 31, 2014 at 2:41 amI absolutely could not agree more. I know I play a crucial role in my student’s lives and I couldn’t imagine ever having a different career!!!
Natalie Snyders says
January 1, 2015 at 3:14 amSo very true! One of the most important parts of the job.
Mary Huston says
January 4, 2015 at 3:45 pmThis is a fantastic post. We are very definitely counselors and when we act as advocates for our students it’s more than just good speech-times, it’s for their whole well-being. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we make life-long changes in our students and their families. It’s part of why I love my career choice.
We also have the opportunity to act as a counselor of sorts to our co-workers too. Not the “my husband is a jerk” or “I don’t like my mother-in-law” counseling, but the “I don’t know what to do for this kid” and the “this kid purposely drives me crazy and I want him out of my room” counseling. So many times we have the training and skills to find the reason for the behavior that’s causing problems, we have the ability to think out of the box and see how a positive reward system can make a big difference in a student, and we have the every day knowledge that small actions can cause huge reactions. Teachers often can’t see the needs of the individual child because of the needs of the room – they feel overwhelmed – and they need someone to know that they’re heard, the concerns are shared, and you’ll be there to help bounce ideas.
I came to this field as a second career, and I can honestly say if I were independently wealthy, I would still work in the field (although perhaps with a bit less paperwork nonsense)…I can’t imagine being as content in a different field.
Nicole Allison says
January 12, 2015 at 5:36 pmYou are so right! I love your perspective of us as counselors to our co-workers. Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to share!