Overview
Speech language pathologists (SLP) play a critical role in the early learning of school aged children. A SLP’s role in a school is to prevent, assess, diagnose, treat and help children overcome challenges in communication. Speech language pathologists may work with children who may have communication difficulties brought upon by stuttering, swallowing disorders, hyperlexia and hearing loss.
A SLP’s relationship with a child can be very rewarding from meeting with the child to form a diagnosis and create a communications plan, to implementing the program and seeing the results of your hard work. In general, speech pathologists are employed at the district-level, which then assigns you to work with children in various schools in the communities that encompass the district.
Roles & Responsibilities
In general speech language pathologists in BC schools (from speechhearing.ca)-diagnose communication disorders (comprehension and expression) and swallowing disordersPlan and implement treatment in language, speech, voice, and/or swallowing disorders-design and employ augmentative and alternative communication-facilitate accent reduction-consult regarding language stimulation, inclusion strategies and teaching adaptation for students with language impairments.
Employment Outlook
Across the province, school districts are experiencing difficulties in recruiting and retaining speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Not only is there competition amongst districts to recruit SLPs, but other provinces (such as Alberta) and other sectors (such as health care) are also recruiting these professionals. Although many universities across Canada train SLPs, the supply is not meeting the demand.
Certification and Qualification Details
Speech pathologists working in BC’s public schools must be certified by the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals in British Columbia.
Post-Secondary Programs
Speech language pathologists practicing in BC schools are highly trained individuals holding Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. The following is a list of educational institutions offering Masters programs in Speech-Language Pathology:
- University of British Columbia, School of Audiology and Speech Sciences
- University of Alberta, Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- Université d’Ottawa, S-LP and Audiology Programs/ (French) Programme d’audiologie et d’orthophonie Faculté des sciences de la santé
- University of Toronto, S-LP Program, Graduate Dept. of Speech-Language Pathology
- University of Western Ontario, S-LP and Audiology Programs, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Université de Montréal, S-LP and Audiology Programs / (French) École d’orthophonie et d’audiologie, Faculté de médecine
- McGill University, S-LP Program, School of Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Université de Laval, S-LP Program (French), Programme de maîtrise en orthophonie Départment de réadaption, Faculté de médecine
- Dalhousie University, S-LP and Audiology Programs, School of Human Communication Disorders
Salary & Benefits
Speech language pathologists in BC’s public schools are employed by individual school districts, and therefore fall under different collective agreements. Some are unionized and belong to the BCTF, whereas others fall under the “exempt” category.
How to Apply
Search for jobs under the “Teachers and Administrators” and “Management and Professionals” job category. Follow the application instructions described in the job posting.
Find a job in Speech Language Pathology
