School Based Speech Language Pathologists Perceptions Of Factors Associated With Job Satisfaction And Work Performance

School-based Speech Language Pathologists Perceptions of Factors Associated with Job Satisfaction and Work Performance

In the U.S., there is a critical shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) due in part to the working conditions and job satisfaction in schools influencing recruitment of SLP students into the profession, and retention of existing SLP professionals. The purpose of this study aims to explore and descibe the perceptions of SLPs who work in the school setting across the nation and how the structure of the work environment may affect retention, performance, and clinical decision-making. This study is an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The study consists of three phases: survey design and validation, quantitative data collection (online survey), and qualitative data collection (semi-structured interview questions). The survey will likely reveal low job satisfaction and performance for school-based SLPs. The semi-structured interview will provide greater insight into participants' lived experiences and context surrounding the factors influencing their job satisfaction and work performance. The findings of this study will directly benefit SLPs, schools and organizations, and students. Gaining an increased understanding of how to enhance healthy work practices, reduce job stressors, and address environmental factors might influence the recruitment and retention of school-based SLPs.

Job Satisfaction of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists

This text responds to the growing need for speech-language pathologists in school settings by asking how factors including people, work, pay, opportunities for promotion, and supervision impact the overall job satisfaction of school-based speech-language pathologists. Drawing on data from a quantitative study conducted in schools in the US, the text foregrounds the experiences and perspectives of speech-language pathologists working in the public school sector, and illustrates the critical role of effective and supportive educational leadership and administration in ensuring effective recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction amongst these much needed professionals. The text highlights growing responsibilities of speech-language pathologists in schools and considers recruitment and challenges in the sector can be remedied by greater understanding of how job satisfaction relates to speech-language pathologists’ experiences and perspectives on pay, work, opportunities for promotion, and support from a supervisor. This short text is aimed at researchers, scholars, and administrators in meeting the growing needs of children and students with speech and language difficulties in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary education settings . The text will be particularly valuable for school leaders looking to support speech-language pathologists in their setting.

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