Pros
Currently, I enjoy working directly and indirectly with some excellent SLPs, OTs and SPED teachers. They are dedicated, knowledgeable and caring. I also have the privilege of providing services to a truly amazing group of students.
Cons
Caseload and workload requirements are huge, and unmanageable, resulting in an unimaginable amount of uncompensated hours. My caseload is 74 students but has been as high as 89! I am contracted for 37.5 hours a week. The therapy materials provided by the school are extremely outdated. Testing assessments are shared by all SLPs in the county! This means you not only have to locate the assessment but you also have to drive to retrieve it. Assessment protocols are typically in short supply by mid year. This means you have to use a copy and then if and when a legal protocol is found you have to copy the information so the district does not infringe on copyright laws. If this isn't enough, you are required to complete and maintain information and data for all Medicaid eligible students. I have 54 such students. Ask yourself, is this ethical? I have the opportunity to leave, unfortunately the students do not. Why did I stay for 3 years? I wanted to try to change these practices. I believed them when they promised another therapist. I cared about my students.