I'm no stranger to advocacy. I was on a task force in my previous district working on improving conditions for SLPs. When I arrived in my new district, I thought about what we thought was unfair there…and laughed. Not even close.
I inherited a caseload that hovers around 90 students. Ninety. Ten less than 100. And not like 90 artic kids…this is included 2 special education preschool classrooms AND 2 behavior self contained rooms. This is a small school in a rural area with a low SES population. I've never had a caseload like this in my career. I've grown to love these children and I've risen to the new challenges, but I've found myself exhausted and frustrated often.
I also know that I was brought here by Him for a reason. To make a change. I deserve better, but even more, the students deserve better.
I don't have to tell you what having no time means. I make lists of the things that I want to do more of…planning, consultation, collaboration, interventions, push-in, parent education, and lunch bunches. But when I compare these things to my schedule and the things I HAVE to do, something has to give because I don't have time for it all. And my family doesn't deserve to their time to be sacrificed either. It's a delicate balance, one I'm sure your aware of if you are in a similar situation…and I know so many of you are.
As I've struggled to maintain some sort of sanity through the year, I've continually advocated for myself. Almost every single day I've talked to someone about it. Teachers, guidance counselor, district staff, and my principal. I want them to see what I am capable of doing…and not just what I am doing because that's what I have time for when I'm running group after group after group through my room. I may have even gave an ultimatum…I'm that confident about what I do. I won't keep quiet about it because it's not right. I won't just keep doing it because it's what's expected.
I know all this educating I've done all year about what I do has made a difference…
Today, my principal called me into her office and told me that she's hiring another SLP for next school year.
It makes a difference, those things you do. Those conversations. Those little bugs you put in their ears. The hard work. So don't ever give up on your students or yourself. And we can all complain about how ASHA doesn't step in on this, but that's not in our control. Do what YOU can to make a difference.
Now excuse me while I do my little victory dance and scream like a 14 year old girl 🙂
xoxo,
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Go Jenn!
Wow. Thank you Jesus! This was so encouraging!
Yipeeeee! Those kids are lucky to have you fighting for them!
You go, girl!!! 🙂
Congratulations! I also believe “the squeaky wheel…” 🙂 We have to advocate for our students, and ourselves as professionals. I couldn’t be happier for you!
That’s so awesome! I am lucky l work in such a supportive district that fights to keep caseloads around 50 and give help when they get bigger than that. 90 is out of control! Happy for you!
That is Awesome! Thanks for the endcouragement!
Woohoo! Good for you for fighting that battle! It can be difficult to challenge to status quo – but WELL worth it for both you and your students!
Wow! A great accomplishment for you!
My district has no caseload limits. I have a caseload of 135 in 5 schools. I have struggle to meet even the minimum needs but feel like it is impossible. There will be no extra SLP time however. I am hoping to find some creative way to better manage it all. Your story brings hope!
Congrtulations!
I’m so excited for you!
Very encouraging words. You won a huge victory for the students you serve!
Good for you!!! Excited that you will get some help next year, though sorry you had to go through a rough year this year. Your school is so lucky to have you!
I’m happy dancing with you!!!
That’s so exciting. I know that my caseload is nowhere near 90 but with the complicated cases, I have advocated a lot this year and we’re getting a part time position added for the fall. I am not tenured yet so it was a little scary advocating, so thanks for sharing your journey too!
Makes me wonder where ASHA is…how can they help? 90 is ridiculous…50 isn’t even all that great.
AMEN THAT GIRLFRIEND!! 🙂 You rock Jenn! Way to self advocate and do it ibased on the best interests of the kids on your caseload! Way to g! Now look to your state and figure out why there are no limits placed within their certification/ licensure paperwork for workload. NYS has a limit 65 dropped down to 45 now. Even 45 is difficult if you do all the extras but much more manageable than 65. God bless you for getting thru to your administration! Happy summer indeed!
My state has a caseload cap of 60. The beginning of this year I was creeping up towards 70 and made it known to my principal. It took a few months but they finally hired someone to take over my 10 kids at the middle/high school. While I’m still hovering around 60 it just seems more manageable now. I don’t know how you did it with 90!
90 is insane. I feel so much more comfortable with 70, which is also too much!