Speech-Language Pathologists – Essential Partners in Education

As many as eight speech-language pathology positions were left vacant across BC's school districts.  This specialty position isn't just another hot career in public education; it's also an essential service to children struggling with speech and communication in BC's schools.

Communication is at the core of education, and a child with communication issues often struggle academically.  Finding it difficult communicating to, and understanding teachers and classmates, these children also affected socially.

Speech-language pathologists help children experiencing communications difficulties by performing assessments, providing diagnosis, and developing personalized learning plans that could include working one-on-one, facilitating small group programs or advising on how to improve a classroom's acoustics. Results can be dramatic, with the student achieving new levels of academic success, self-confidence and personal growth.

So how do you become a speech-language pathologist? You'll need to obtain a master's degree in speech-language pathology, a program that is offered at nine Canadian universities.  Most students who specialize in speech-language pathology find that an undergraduate degree in linguistics or psychology offers a solid preparation for the master's program.

Once you graduate, you'll find your skills are in demand. Canada produces just over 275 speech-language pathologists each year, who go on to work in a variety of settings – from education to community health to private practice.  Many speech-language pathologists say that working in public education is rewarding, as they are able to help a wide range of children and can see the direct results of their support.