Speech Language Pathologist - Special Education - 2026-2027

Job Summary

Forbes and East Valley Tribune have named Mesa Public Schools as top employers and best places to work. This position evaluates, diagnoses, and provides direct therapy and instruction for students with articulation, voice quality, fluency, and language disorders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide screening protocol to identify children with speech/language deficits
• Assist and guide teachers in observing and referring students with suspected speech and/or language deficits
• Administer informal diagnostic techniques and formal standardized norm referenced testing instruments to diagnose and identify students with articulation deficits, voice, fluency, and or language disorders
• Develop speech and language treatment plans to include goals, objectives, methods, frequency, duration, and modifications for regular classroom setting
• Develop and maintain a therapeutic environment that promotes learning
• Monitor student learning and pace therapy/instruction accordingly
• Consult with classroom teachers and other staff members to offer suggestions to address speech deficits and determine accommodations within the regular education setting
• Keep meaningful, accurate, legible, ongoing records for individuals receiving speech and language services
• Provide information, support, and counsel to parents of children who have speech and language deficits
• Develop and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with students, parents, teachers, support staff and administration
• Document, compile and analyze data to write required reports on speech/language services
• Utilize the District Individualized Education Plan software to write speech and language goals and objectives
• Attend and participate in Individualized Education Plan meetings to provide information, make recommendations, and coordinate specific learning objectives
• Provide documentation for Medicaid reimbursable services as verification of services provided
• Submit reports for to meet local and state requirements
• Safeguard confidentiality of student records
• Serve as an instructional leader in the areas of speech, language, and oral communication
• Participate in team conferences and decisions regarding student need
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology required
• Certificate of Clinical Competence or ASHA recognized Clinical
• Current AZ Department of Health Services Speech and Language Pathology License
• Current AZ Department of Education Certificate
• Supervised fieldwork, often totaling hundreds of hours, in diverse settings such as schools, hospitals, or clinics
• Knowledge of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and school-based services is often expected
• Prior experience as a student intern in a school setting is highly valued
• Understanding of the educational system and the ability to collaborate with teachers, parents, and school staff

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Proficiency in evaluating speech, language, voice, fluency, and swallowing disorders using standardized and informal tools
• Utilizing evidence-based practices for speech and language therapy
• Ability to explain complex speech and language concepts to non-specialists, including teachers and parents
• Compassion and understanding when working with children who may face frustration due to communication difficulties
• Balancing a caseload of students, scheduling sessions, and managing paperwork efficiently
• Staying current with research and trends in speech-language pathology and educational practices

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Office setting in a district or school building
• Treatment sessions are often conducted in designated speech therapy rooms, classrooms, or shared office spaces
• Frequent interaction with teachers, school psychologists, special education staff, and administrators
• Typically aligned with the school day and calendar, including summer breaks and holidays, though additional time may be required for paperwork or meetings
• Walking across a school campus may be required
• Occasional lifting of materials or therapy equipment (e.g., books, AAC devices, or visual aids) up to 25 lbs.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.