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, secondary transition, 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 Speech-Language Speaker Series

Webinars on the following dates and topics:

✰ October 24, 2025, 9:00 am-3:15 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