The Benefits of Taking an SLP Student {From Both Sides!}

I hope you had a wonderful Easter! I spent my *very short* two day spring break traveling down to Virginia to visit some family. We got back just in time to spend the precious day of our Risen Savior with family. Here are a few pics:

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I currently have an SLP Intern (or Student SLP). Her name is Emily and she is absolutely wonderful! Today’s post is written by both of us-Why you should have a student SLP (from my side and from her side).

(Here we are in our *almost matching* St. Patrick’s outfits. Emily is on the left, I’m on the right.)

I know for some, it can be a little out of your comfort box to sign up for a student, but I challenge you to do it next year.

 

Here are a few reasons why (by me):

1. You learn! I like to think she’s learned a few things from me but I know I probably learn more from her. These students are up on the latest research, report writing and therapy interventions. My husband jokes that this is my way of “staying young” and he’s right! I need updated every once in a while and a taking a student is just the way to do this.

2. Graduate students=more maturity. Many teachers these days are worried to take student teachers and for good reason. With some teacher evaluations incorporating up to 50% of student performance, it’s no wonder they want to have control over their class’ learning. The fear of getting an undergraduate student teacher whose heart isn’t completely in teaching would be daunting. With our students, at least in Ohio, I only receive graduate students. These students have already worked extremely hard to get into graduate school and are serious about our profession. This way, I know I’m getting a good one, and I’ve never been disappointed. 🙂

3. More work upfront means a whole lot less towards the end. My student teacher (as great as she is), starting taking over my caseload on her second week. This freed me up to focus on report writing. Progress reports haven’t been nearly as daunting with her here! It’s also great to be able to pull a student one-on-one when I need to target a specific skill with her there to lead the rest of the group. Boy, am I going to miss her come May though!

4. It’s a great way to give back to our profession. Universities and these students need good SLPs to step up and lead them. They will benefit from seeing you do therapy and this experience will guide the job they choose, how they conduct therapy and the love they have for our field. And YOU are just the person to do this.

 

Here are more reasons from the perspective of Emily, my student SLP:

I am so fortunate to have been placed with Nicole for my school externship placement this semester. I have learned so much during my weeks here, and I think in this field, learning by doing is really the best way. So from the perspective of a grad student, I’m here to tell you why we would love for you to take the plunge and take on a grad student!

 

1) We really want to learn from you. Something I’ve appreciated about all my supervisors in all my placements is that everyone gives therapy a little differently. While grad school classes are all about theory and background knowledge, we learn to give therapy by doing it—and by watching and learning from our supervisors. Everyone has his or her own little tips and tricks, and I’ve enjoyed learning from each of my supervisors.

 

2) You teach us what we can’t learn in class. Learning about RTI, ETRs, and IEPs theoretically in the classroom only goes so far. It has really come together for me when I’ve been able to experience the meetings or been involved in writing the paperwork myself. Also, my placement has allowed me to see what collaborating with other teachers and administrators looks like in the workplace. Not to mention behavior management. I still can’t believe behavior management classes aren’t standard in most speech language pathology programs; I sure feel like I could use one! All the behavior management skills I have learned have been through observing other teachers and therapists at my placements.

 

3) You provide a safe place for us to get out of our comfort zone. It’s crazy to think that in several months, I could be out there leading meetings and giving therapy completely on my own.  So in the mean time, it’s nice to know I can do those “scary things” like filling out paperwork or speaking up in a meeting, when I know I still have someone I can ask if I have questions. (I’ve also learned that those “scary things” really aren’t so scary, they just take some practice 🙂

 

4) We neeeed good placements 🙂 This one is really just a plea on behalf of all grad students everywhere. We know we will be placed in several different settings a year, we get nervous about starting new ones, and are very grateful when we get a really great placement. For all of you who give back to the profession and invest in students’ learning, we appreciate you!

 

We hope you will take the challenge and bless the profession by taking a graduate student next year.

For your convenience, I listed some great resources if you’re planning on taking a student SLP next year!

1. Student Teacher Expectations from Super Power Speech.

2. {Editable} Speech Language Pathologist Professional Portfolio from me to get your student teacher ready for her first job.

3. SLP Student Teaching Binder both in color and in black and white by Carissa Ten Hoeve

4. Ultimate Speech and Language Common Core Bundle by me

5. Organization Kit Freebie by Speechy Musings

6. Practicum Organizational Freebie by Speechy Musings

7. Self Reflection Sheets for SLPs and Educators by The Dabbling Speechie