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


2026-2027 Tentative Trainings and Networks

 

The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) Speech-Language Initiative is excited to share new PD opportunities for the 2026-2027 school year.

Dates,times, and topics are subject to change.

 

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Related Service Providers (SLPs, OTPs, PTPs) Network: Classroom-Based Therapy Strategies

Four-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 provide therapy in classroom-based ("push-in") environments and strategies to collaborate with classroom staff.

  • October 7, 2026, 3:00-4:30 pm
  • November 18, 2026, 3:00-4:30 pm
  • January 20, 2027, 3:00-4:30 pm
  • March 17, 2027, 3:00-4:30 pm
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Supervisors of Related Service Providers Network (Supervisors of SLPs, OTPs, and PTPs)

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 the difference between eligibility/"dismissal" criteria for school-age services and EI services, Secondary Transition plans/Indicator 13, and the use of SLP, OT, and PT Assistants in school settings.

  • September 22, 2026, 12:00-1:00 pm
  • December 1, 2026, 12:00-1:00 pm
  • March 2, 2027, 12:00-1:00 pm
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Speech-Language Speaker Series

Half-day webinars on the following dates and topics:

  • September 25, 2026: Multilingual Assessments for the Monolingual SLP
  • December 11, 2026: Fluency Disorders
  • May 21, 2027: Childhood Apraxia of Speech - Interventions
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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).

  • September 10, 2026, 9:00 am-3:15 pm - PaTTAN West
  • October 14, 2026, 9:00 am-3:15 pm - PaTTAN Central
  • October 15, 2026, 9:00 am-3:15 pm - PaTTAN East
  • October 29, 2026, 9:00 am-3:15 pm - Appalachia IU8
  • April 8, 2027, 9:00 am-3:15 pm - Luzerne IU18
  • Additional dates/sites TBD

Schoology Course: IEP Essentials for SLPs

Asynchronous Schoology course with anticipated start date of fall, 2026.

Registration

Registration for the above training opportunities will be available on the PaTTAN Training Calendar closer to the start dates:

PaTTAN Events Calendar

Share ourn newsletter:  PaTTAN Speech-Language Initiative

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
Elizabeth Serpentine PaTTAN - EAST
John Rose PaTTAN - CENTRAL