Many states require speech-language pathologists to have
specialized teacher certification. Pennsylvania requires specialty
certification in special education that is official called: "Special
Education - Teacher of the Speech and Language Impaired." To be eligible
for this certification students must complete an approved teacher certification
program. They must also complete a student teaching experience, and
pass state-required
examinations.
The certification program in
speech-language pathology at Duquesne University,
a joint effort between the Department of Speech-Language
Pathology and the School of Education, is fully
approved (November 2002) by the Pennsylvania Department
of Education. Of great benefit to students, the
academic and clinical education (including the
student teaching experience) required for teacher
certification is integrated into the standard
curriculum. Other programs in speech-language
pathology may require students to complete several
additional courses to be eligible for this certification.
At Duquesne University, students who complete
the 5-year curriculum and pass the state-required
examinations are eligible to apply for teacher
certification. Students take two special education
courses, typically during the third year of the
pre-professional curriculum (SPED 611 Persons
with Disabilities, and SPED 663 Educational
Assessment: Special Education). Additional
content specific to working in a school setting
is then integrated throughout the professional
phase of the curriculum.
Each state has its own teacher certification requirements. Often
a student eligible for teacher certification in one state will also be
eligible in other states. Students should check with specific state departments
of education to determine their requirements. The Department of Speech-Language
Pathology and the Duquesne University School of Education work with interested
students to help them become eligible for teacher certification in other
states.
Pre-professional Curriculum |
Professional Curriculum
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