May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, a time to recognize the vital work of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who play a crucial role in the educational success and emotional development of students across the country. These dedicated professionals are often the unsung heroes in public schools, working behind the scenes to ensure every child has the communication skills they need to thrive.
What Do Speech-Language Pathologists Do?
In public schools, SLPs work with students who have a wide range of communication challenges. These may include:
Speech sound disorders (difficulty pronouncing certain sounds)
Language delays (struggling to understand or use language)
Fluency disorders (such as stuttering)
Voice disorders
Social communication difficulties, often seen in students with autism
Swallowing and feeding issues
SLPs assess, diagnose, and provide individualized therapy to support these students, often working in collaboration with teachers, special educators, school psychologists, and parents.
Why Their Work Matters
Communication is the cornerstone of learning and social interaction. When students struggle to speak, listen, or understand language, it can affect their academic performance, self-esteem, and relationships with peers.
SLPs help bridge that gap, giving students the tools they need to:
Participate fully in classroom activities
Express their thoughts and feelings
Understand lessons and follow directions
Build friendships and social confidence
In essence, they help students find their voice—sometimes literally.
A Day in the Life of a School-Based SLP
No two days are the same for a school-based speech-language pathologist. They might start their morning leading a small group session to work on articulation, spend mid-morning consulting with a teacher about a student's progress, conduct evaluations in the afternoon, and end the day writing reports or attending IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings.
Amid all of this, they build trust and rapport with students, helping them celebrate every small win—from saying a tricky sound correctly to initiating a conversation with a friend.
The Impact Is Lifelong
The work SLPs do in schools often lays the foundation for lifelong success. Communication skills developed in childhood affect not only academic achievement but also future job readiness, social relationships, and mental health.
SLPs empower students to be confident communicators, which in turn enables them to be successful learners and compassionate citizens.
How You Can Celebrate Better Speech and Hearing Month
Thank an SLP in your local school or community.
Learn more about speech and hearing health.
Share stories about how communication has impacted your life.
Support funding for special education and related services in public schools.
Let’s take this month to shine a spotlight on the vital role speech-language pathologists play in shaping strong, confident communicators in our schools.