Speech Language

❝Speech and Language instruction is the art and science of providing intervention to persons with communication impairments that adversely impact educational performance❞ (PA Department of Education)

Speech-language disabilities are one of the most common disability categories in children. In 2022-2023, 14% of the special education population, or 45,080 K-12 students, were identified in PA schools as having a primary Speech or Language Impairment. The goal of the PaTTAN Speech-Language Initiative is to provide training and technical assistance to school-based SLPs across the Commonwealth, thereby improving service delivery and outcomes for students


2025-2026 Tentative Trainings and Networks

Attract, Prepare, Retain

Behavior Basics for Related Service Providers (SLPs, OTPs, PTPs) Network

Three-part virtual networking series for school-based Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapy Practitioners, and Physical Therapy Practitioners, focusing on effective and evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage problem behavior during therapy sessions.

✰ November 5, 2025, 4:00-5:30 pm
✰ January 7, 2026, 4:00-5:30 pm
✰ March 4, 2026, 4:00-5:30 pm

Innovative Practices for School-Based SLPs Network

Three-part virtual networking series for school-based Speech-Language Pathologists focusing on trending topics in the field, including caseload management, AAC, and MTSS.

✰ October 1, 2025, 4:00-5:30 pm
✰ December 3, 2025, 4:00-5:30 pm
✰ February 4, 2026, 4:00-5:30 pm

Supervisors of Related Service Providers Network  

Three-part virtual networking series for Supervisors of school-based Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapy Practitioners, and Physical Therapy Practitioners, focusing on trending topics in the field, including Medical Access, eligibility, and strategies to attract and retain SLPs, OTPs, and PTPs.

✰ September 30, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm
✰ January 27, 2026, 12:00-1:00 pm
✰ March 31, 2026, 12:00-1:00 pm  

PaTTAN Speech-Language

PaTTAN Speeh-Language Speaker Series

Half-day webinars on the following dates and topics:

✰ October 24, 2025, 9:00 am-12:15 pm - Artificial Intelligence for SLPs
✰ January 9, 2026, 12:00 pm-3:15 pm - Dynamic Assessment
✰ May 18, 2026, 9:00 am-12:15 pm - Apraxia Identification and Diagnosis

Speech-Language Pathologists' Survival Kit: Essential Tools for School-Based SLPs

In-person, full day competency-based training for Speech-Language Pathologists new to school settings (within the past 5 years).

✰ October 8, 2025, 9:00 am-3:15 pm - PaTTAN West
✰ October 15, 2025, 9:00 am-3:15 pm - PaTTAN   Central
✰ October 16, 2025, 9:00 am-3:15 pm - PaTTAN East

Registration

Registration for the above training opportunities will be availalbe on the PaTTAN Training Calendar closer to the start dates:
Share our flyer:  PaTTAN Speech-Language Initiative

PaTTAN Events Calendar

Resources

APR: Is a Career as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Right for You? APR: Is a Career as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Right for You? The APR: Career Exploration Series offers valuable insights into the various professional roles in special education and can educate students on potential career paths. This fact sheet highlights key aspects of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), such as daily responsibilities and the skills required for success. Visit the APR Repository to learn more about Pennsylvania's APR initiative.

Consultants

- Office Lead
- State Lead
Jennifer Geibel PaTTAN - WEST
Tammy Thompson-Cooke PaTTAN - EAST
Amy Foor PaTTAN - CENTRAL
Amanda Thompson-Winnor PaTTAN - WEST
Elizabeth Serpentine PaTTAN - EAST
John Rose PaTTAN - CENTRAL