Quick answer
School-based SLPs provide speech and language therapy, complete evaluations, and serve on IEP teams, working on the school calendar with students from preschool to high school. Before accepting a role, ask about caseload size, number of schools, therapy space, age range, colleague support, and — for clinical fellows — who will supervise your CF.
Key takeaways
- The work is therapy, evaluations, IEP meetings, and teacher collaboration.
- Caseload size and number of schools shape your day more than anything else.
- Clinical fellows do well in schools when supervision is in place.
- A good recruiter gets you straight answers before you interview.
School-based speech-language pathology is a different rhythm from clinics or hospitals. You work on the school calendar, you're part of an IEP team, and your caseload can range from preschoolers to high school seniors. For many SLPs it's the most rewarding setting there is — especially when the role is set up well.
What the work usually includes
- Individual and small-group therapy, pull-out or in the classroom
- Evaluations and re-evaluations, with written reports
- IEP meetings and goal-writing
- Consulting with teachers on communication supports
- Progress reporting, and Medicaid documentation in some districts
Questions to ask before you accept
- 1
Caseload
How many students are on the caseload, and how many evaluations are expected this year?
- 2
Buildings
How many schools will I cover, and how much travel is involved?
- 3
Space
Is there a dedicated, quiet space for therapy?
- 4
Ages
What does the age range look like — preschool, elementary, secondary?
- 5
Support
Is there another SLP or a supervisor I can collaborate with?
How a recruiter can help
“The best time to learn the caseload number is before the interview — not on your first day.”
A good education recruiter gets you straight answers to these questions before you interview, so you can compare roles on what matters to you.
School vs. clinic: what's different
Schedule
School calendar
Summers and school breaks off in most roles, with extended school year work available.
Caseload
Groups and individuals
A mix of individual and small-group sessions, often across grade levels.
Team
IEP-driven
You work closely with teachers, families, and other providers on shared goals.
What a typical week can look like
- Scheduled therapy sessions built around class schedules
- Push-in sessions during language-rich classroom activities
- Evaluation testing and report writing time
- IEP meetings and family conversations
- Documentation, progress reporting, and planning
Tips for your first year
- Build your schedule with teachers early — they'll appreciate being asked
- Group students by goals, not just by grade
- Keep a simple, consistent data system from day one
- Block time for paperwork so it doesn't take over evenings
- Find a mentor — another SLP in the district or a professional network
Frequently asked questions
Can a clinical fellow work as a school-based SLP?
Yes. Many schools hire SLPs completing their Clinical Fellowship, as long as a certified SLP is available to supervise. Ask who your CF mentor will be before accepting.
What does a school-based SLP do all day?
A typical day mixes individual and group therapy sessions, classroom support, evaluations and report writing, IEP meetings, and collaboration with teachers and families.
Do school-based SLPs work in the summer?
Most school-based SLPs follow the school calendar and have summers off. Many choose to work extended school year (ESY) or summer programs for additional work.
How big is a typical school SLP caseload?
It varies widely by state and district. Ask for the current caseload number and the number of evaluations expected before you accept a role.