How to Become a Speech Teacher
Speech teachers help people in every age range with resolving issues related to language and speaking. A master's degree in speech-language pathology or a closely related area and state licensure is required. Candidates for licensure must also have a certain amount of practical experience.
Speech Teacher Requirements
Becoming a speech teacher requires the following steps in most cases:
- Obtain a bachelor's degree, usually in a subject like linguistics
- Obtain a master's degree in speech-language pathology
- Become licensed
- Consider professional certification
Speech Teacher: Essential Information
Speech teachers, commonly referred to as speech-language pathologists, assess and diagnose speaking and language problems and disorders caused by disability, injury, or development. A speech-language pathologist works with an array of individuals of all age groups and degrees of affliction. Licensure requirements vary, and professional certification is often recommended by employers.
| Required Education | At least a master's degree |
| Licensure | Required by most states |
| Certification | Optional after completing a fellowship program |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 25% for speech pathologists |
| Median Annual Salary (2019)* | $79,120 for speech pathologists |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Speech Teacher: Educational Requirements
The minimum requirement for a speech-language pathologist is a master's degree. Some colleges recommend or require undergraduate training through language, pathology, or educational majors. A degree in communicative sciences and disorders, either at the bachelor's or master's level, is also favored in many cases. Master's programs integrate theory, research, and clinical practice within speech pathology. Students may be able to customize a program in a specific area of interest, such as language rehabilitation, childhood speech development, or neurological disorders. Some common courses in a master's curriculum include:
- Language and phonetics
- Hearing and speech sciences
- Diagnostic testing and assessment
- Treatment and curricular development
- Disease and injury rehabilitation
- Pediatric, adult, and geriatric speech pathology
A master's program often takes two years or less to complete, and graduates are generally eligible for state licensure and certification testing. Speech-language pathologists may choose to teach in a structured educational environment or through private practice. Those interested in research or a career as a college professor may seek doctoral studies in speech and language sciences.
CAA and Clinical Practicums
The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) creates accreditation standards for master's degree programs. Choosing a master's degree program with CAA accreditation is a good step in becoming a speech teacher. Various degree programs fall under CAA accreditation, including master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), and master of education (MEd) degrees. CAA-accredited courses are also required to offer clinical experience for students, which is increasingly important for prospective speech pathologists.
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Speech Teacher: Career Information
Licensing Requirements for Speech Teachers
Most states and medical insurance companies regulate licensing requirements for speech-language pathologists. Educational and practical experience conditions typically need to be met before license or certification testing can be administered. Those wishing to teach in a public school may also have additional licensing stipulations. Often speech-language pathologists must complete a requisite number of continuing education hours to maintain a license.
Job Outlook and Salary for Speech Teachers
Employment prospects for speech-language pathologists are predicted to be favorable over the 2019-2029 decade, with demand increasing by 25% over that time frame, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median salary for these professionals, as reported by the BLS, was $79,120 in May 2019.
Certification and Continuing Ed for Speech Teachers
Graduates of an accredited master's degree program who have completed a fellowship program in speech-language pathology may earn optional certification offered through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This certification is called Educational Testing Service's (ETS) Praxis II: Subject Assessment in Speech-Language Pathology, and it can greatly increase the professional outlook for prospective speech-language pathologists. The credential may satisfy state license testing requirements and demonstrates a proficiency of knowledge and abilities to employers. Professional certification is valid for three years and requires continuing education courses for renewal.
Speech-language pathologists with teaching experience may continue studies in a doctoral program designed to enhance their knowledge in the field through research and advanced academics. Doctor of Audiology degree programs offer advanced education with significant field training and professional mentoring. Doctor of Philosophy programs provide education to direct a career toward a path in academia or scientific analysis.
Speech teachers are typically required to possess a master's degree and state licensure. Speech teachers with a doctorate can advance their career by pursuing opportunities in academia and scientific analysis. The median annual salary for speech teachers was $79,120 in 2019 and employment is projected to grow significantly faster than average.
