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About Stamford Public Schools – A Community That Values Communication
Stamford Public Schools (SPS) is one of Connecticut’s most diverse and forward‑thinking K‑12 districts, serving over 30,000 students from vibrant neighborhoods, multicultural families, and a wide range of educational backgrounds. Our mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of language, ability, or socioeconomic status, has access to a high‑quality education that prepares them for a lifelong journey of learning and success. Central to this mission is the belief that effective communication is the cornerstone of academic achievement and personal growth.
As part of our commitment to fostering inclusive classrooms, SPS continuously invests in evidence‑based programs, cutting‑edge technology, and collaborative professional teams. We recognize that speech‑language development is a critical component of student well‑being, influencing reading proficiency, social interaction, and overall confidence. If you are passionate about empowering children to express themselves, overcome communication barriers, and thrive in the general curriculum, you will find a supportive, innovative, and mission‑driven environment here at Stamford Public Schools.
Position Overview – Long‑Term Substitute Speech‑Language Pathologist (Hybrid)
We are urgently seeking a results‑driven Long‑Term Substitute Speech‑Language Pathologist to join our multidisciplinary student‑support team. This hybrid role blends remote planning and documentation with on‑site therapy sessions, collaborative consultations, and classroom integration across multiple schools within the district. The appointment is contingent upon continued funding from the Board of Education budget, with an anticipated assignment lasting more than 40 days.
As a certified or soon‑to‑be certified professional, you will be instrumental in:
- Providing comprehensive assessment, differential diagnosis, and individualized therapy for students with speech and language disorders.
- Designing and implementing evidence‑based intervention plans that align with state standards and the district’s inclusive education philosophy.
- Collaborating closely with teachers, parents, and other service providers to ensure seamless integration of communication goals within the general curriculum.
- Utilizing technology tools—including student information systems, virtual communication platforms, and data‑driven reporting software—to document progress and enhance service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Assessment & Diagnosis
- Conduct comprehensive speech, language, and hearing screenings for students referred by the Planning, Placement, & Transition (PPT) team.
- Interpret assessment results to develop clear, measurable eligibility determinations and individualized education program (IEP) goals.
- Maintain meticulous records in the district’s Student Information System (e.g., PowerSchool, Naviance) to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Therapeutic Intervention & Program Development
- Design individualized, evidence‑based therapy plans that address articulation, phonological awareness, fluency, language comprehension, expressive language, social communication, and augmentative‑alternative communication (AAC) needs.
- Deliver direct therapy in various settings, including one‑on‑one, small‑group, and whole‑class environments, using both in‑person and virtual modalities.
- Adapt instructional materials and techniques to support culturally and linguistically diverse learners, including bilingual and English‑Learner (EL) populations.
- Integrate technology (e.g., speech‑to‑text apps, interactive whiteboards, digital storytelling tools) to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Collaboration & Consultation
- Partner with classroom teachers to embed communication goals within academic lessons, promoting the least restrictive environment (LRE) for each student.
- Provide consultative support to paraprofessionals, parents, and external agencies (e.g., audiologists, occupational therapists) to ensure a coordinated approach to student services.
- Participate in multidisciplinary PPT meetings, presenting assessment data, progress reports, and recommendations for ongoing support.
- Offer professional development workshops for staff on topics such as Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP), language acquisition strategies, and evidence‑based speech‑language interventions.
Documentation & Data‑Driven Decision Making
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely documentation of all assessment, therapy sessions, and progress notes.
- Analyze outcome data to measure the effectiveness of interventions, adjust goals, and inform continuous improvement efforts.
- Prepare detailed reports for parents, administrators, and state compliance audits, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Essential Qualifications
- Certification from the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA) or completion of a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY).
- Current or pending Connecticut State Department of Health (CSDH) license to practice as a Speech‑Language Pathologist.
- Current or pending Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) certification, or eligibility to obtain Long‑Term Substitute Authorization (Bachelor’s degree plus 12 credit hours in the relevant content area).
- Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal regulations governing special education services (IDEA, Section 504, FERPA).
- Ability to utilize mainstream technology platforms such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets), video‑conferencing tools (Zoom, Skype), and student data systems (PowerSchool, Naviance).
Preferred Qualifications & Desirable Experiences
- Dual certification in TESOL, Bilingual Education, or ESL, with a strong record of supporting English Learners.
- Fluency in a language other than English (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese) to enhance communication with multilingual families.
- Experience with Sheltered Instruction or Structured English Immersion models, demonstrating the ability to integrate language development within content areas.
- Familiarity with augmentative‑and‑alternative communication (AAC) devices and software.
- Experience working in a district that emphasizes inclusive, co‑teaching models and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Core Skills & Competencies for Success
- Clinical Expertise: Strong foundation in speech‑language pathology assessment, diagnosis, and evidence‑based intervention methods.
- Interpersonal Communication: Ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff, fostering open dialogue and collaborative problem‑solving.
- Instructional Adaptability: Skillful at customizing therapy approaches to meet a wide range of developmental levels, cultural backgrounds, and learning styles.
- Data Literacy: Proficiency in collecting, interpreting, and applying data to refine goals and demonstrate measurable progress.
- Technological Fluency: Comfort navigating digital platforms for remote documentation, virtual therapy sessions, and data management.
- Time Management & Organization: Ability to balance multiple caseloads, documentation responsibilities, and collaborative meetings while maintaining high quality of service.
- Professional Ethics: Commitment to confidentiality, equity, and adherence to professional standards set by ASHA and state licensing boards.
Career Growth & Learning Opportunities
Stamford Public Schools places a high value on professional development. As a Long‑Term Substitute Speech‑Language Pathologist, you will enjoy:
- Access to district‑wide workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on special education law, innovative therapeutic techniques, and culturally responsive practice.
- Mentorship from experienced district speech‑language pathologists and special education administrators.
- Opportunities to lead or co‑lead professional learning communities (PLCs) focused on language acquisition, literacy integration, and inclusive classroom practices.
- Eligibility to apply for full‑time positions within the district as vacancies arise, with preference given to candidates who have demonstrated excellence during their substitute assignment.
- Support for pursuing advanced certifications (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analyst, AAC Certification) through tuition reimbursement and paid release time.
Work Environment & Culture
Our district is proud of an inclusive, collaborative, and student‑centered culture. You can expect:
- Hybrid Flexibility: A balanced blend of remote planning days and in‑person interaction with students and staff, allowing for a flexible schedule that accommodates work‑life harmony.
- Team‑Oriented Atmosphere: Daily collaboration with teachers, paraprofessionals, psychologists, and administrators who share a common goal of student success.
- Diversity & Inclusion: A commitment to honoring the linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity of Stamford’s families, reflected in district policies and daily practice.
- State‑of‑the‑Art Facilities: Modern classrooms equipped with interactive technologies, therapy spaces designed for acoustic privacy, and accessible resources for all learners.
- Supportive Leadership: Administrators who value input from specialists, encourage innovative approaches, and recognize the impact of speech‑language services on overall achievement.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks
Stamford Public Schools offers a competitive, performance‑aligned compensation package for Long‑Term Substitute positions:
- Daily Rate for Certified Professionals: $155 per day (aligned with district salary scales).
- Daily Rate for Non‑Certified Professionals: $105 per day for the first 30 days, then $155 per day thereafter.
- Eligibility for participation in district‑wide benefits after a probationary period, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Access to the district’s retirement plan (CTERS), with employer contributions.
- Paid professional development days and support for continuing education credits.
- Employee assistance program (EAP) offering counseling, wellness resources, and work‑life balance services.
- Discounted tuition for local universities and colleges in partnership with the district.
- Annual recognition programs celebrating outstanding contributions to student achievement.
Application Process
We invite dedicated, enthusiastic professionals to apply online. Follow these steps to be considered:
- Visit our online application portal and create an account.
- Complete the required fields, attaching a current resume, certification documentation, and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience with diverse learners.
- Submit your application by the posted deadline; early submissions are encouraged due to the urgent nature of the vacancy.
All applications will be reviewed promptly. Qualified candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview, followed by a brief on‑site observation to assess fit within our collaborative environment.
Join Us – Make a Difference Today
At Stamford Public Schools, your expertise as a Speech‑Language Pathologist will directly influence the lives of countless children, helping them to find their voice, engage confidently with peers, and succeed academically. If you are ready to bring your clinical skills, cultural competence, and passion for inclusive education to a dynamic district that values innovation and community, we welcome you to apply now.
Take the next step in your professional journey—apply today and become a catalyst for communication excellence in Stamford!
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