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Speech Language

Speech & Language Pathologist

Speech Therapy, Technical Assistance, and Staff Development

  • Speech-language pathologist public schools serve students with speech and/or language impairments. A speech or language impairment is defined as “a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance” (C.F.R. §300.8.). Speech and language disorders can also result from a variety of other impairments, including cerebral palsy, cleft palate, hearing loss, autism, learning disabilities, and traumatic brain injuries.

  • To address the shortage of master's level SLPs in Texas schools, a partnership was formed with state ESCs, TWU, TEA, and local educational entities to provide a master's degree program for both in-field and out-of-field students. The program, fully accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), utilizes videoconferencing, web-based instruction, and clinical experiences on school campuses, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation centers and special summer camps. Successful program completion prepares graduates to apply for Texas licensure in speech pathology and ASHA certification. 

     Learn more at TWU Communication Sciences and our TWU SLP information page.

    This requires hard work, long hours, and lots of patience to do what we do, but seeing a child succeed is so worth it. That's why pursuing high-level learning opportunities is important to become more effective, efficient, and successful as an SLP.

     

    •  Below is the Region 10 webpage for the SLP Distance Venue.

    https://www.region10.org/programs/speech-language-pathology-masters-degree-program/overview/

    Cycle 13 of the SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue is currently under way. Cycle 13 cohort runs from June 2025 through August 2027.  

    If you are interested in Cycle 14 of the SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue, please register for one Cycle 14 Information Meeting. 

    Attendance of one full Information Meeting is a mandatory part of the application process. You will not be considered for acceptance into the SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue unless you have attended one full Information Meeting.

    If accepted into the Cycle 14 SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue, classes will begin in Summer 2027.

    All Cycle 14 Information Meetings will begin at 4:30 pm Central Time via Zoom.

    Register by clicking one of the links below:

     

    Participants interested in Cycle 14 that do not have an undergraduate degree in speech-language pathology, will need to complete Leveling coursework. Leveling coursework will be discussed during the Information Meeting. You may find additional information here: Leveling Coursework

    NOTE: if you choose to attend an Information Meeting after February 2026, you may not have enough time to complete all Leveling course work required to begin the Cycle 14 cohort.

    We look forward to seeing you at the Cycle 14 Meetings, future SLPs of Texas!

     

    Speech-Language Pathology Master’s (SLP) Degree Program Statewide Distance Venue

    Overview

    To address the shortage of master’s level speech-language pathology (SLPs) in Texas schools, a partnership was formed with Texas Education Service Centers, Texas Woman’s University (TWU), Texas Education Agency (TEA), and local educational entities to provide a master’s degree program for both in-field and out-of-field students.  The program utilizes videoconferencing, web-based instruction, and clinical experiences on school campuses, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.  Successful program completion prepares graduates to apply for Texas licensure in speech pathology and American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) certification. The master of science education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).  The Region 10 Education Service Center (ESC) provides statewide coordination of the program and, along with other participating ESCs, assists students by providing classroom sites and classroom coordinators.

    While applicants accepted into this program will be fully prepared to serve in any professional setting, this program is intended to help ameliorate the shortage of licensed, certified SLPs in Texas public schools and is open only to those committed to employment with a public school district or charter school.

    The SLP Distance Learning Venue is designed to allow students to work in the schools as licensed assistants while completing the requirements for the master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Each student must secure sponsorship from an educational entity (e.g., school district or charter school) and maintain it throughout the master’s program.  Students must attend classes in a participating ESC.

    The program also provides the opportunity to complete Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Bilingual SLP or Deaf and Hard of Hearing for the SLP. Students interested in pursuing these certificates will take additional coursework and complete practicum hours focused in the specific certificate areas while in the program.

    For more information on the Certificates click on the links below:

    Contact Region 18 for more information about the SLP Master's Degree Program.

     

     

    Victoria Ibanez, Educational Consultant

    O: (432) 567-3286 | E: victoria.ibanez@esc18.net

     

     

  • Professional Resources | TSHA Speech Impairment Eligibility Guidelines
    Includes Training Links, Manuals, Handouts, and Online Ethics Course



     

SLP Webinar Series

We’re excited to announce the 2025–2026 ESC SLP Webinar Series: a learning opportunity created in collaboration with all 20 Texas Education Service Centers (ESCs).

This statewide series includes 10 live webinars led by experienced professionals in speech-language pathology. Each session offers practical tools, fresh strategies, and CEUs; all designed to support your growth and success as an SLP.

We’d love for you to be part of these engaging and meaningful learning opportunities throughout the year!

 

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