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Communicating with Confidence: Celebrating SLPs

May 18, 2025
Speech Language Day 2025

Jill Mitchell, speech therapist at Albritton Middle School, is known for the smiles she gives to others and the smiles she brings to students' faces. She is constantly helping students and teachers, even in areas that aren't directly related to speech therapy. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are not isolated specialists—they work closely with general and special education teachers, administrators, and families. This collaboration ensures that communication goals are integrated into the broader educational experience.

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month - a time to recognize the importance of communication and to honor the professionals who make it possible for so many students to find their voice. Across the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, Speech-Language Pathologists play a vital role in supporting student success, regardless of location, language, or need. 

At Albritton, students with speech and communication disorders are provided with services by two trained professionals, Ms. Mitchell, who works at Albritton every day, and Deirdre Hendrix, an SLP Assessor with over 30 years in the field. Ms. Hendrix also covers two other schools—Bowley and Devers.

SLPs in schools serve students with diverse needs, including articulation disorders, language impairments, fluency issues, and voice disorders. They help students overcome communication barriers that directly impact their ability to learn. For example, students with language difficulties may struggle with reading comprehension, writing, or participating in class discussions. SLPs also support students in developing pragmatic language skills—how to use language appropriately in social contexts. This is especially important for students with social communication challenges. Middle school is a pivotal time for social development, and SLPs can provide the key for students to be able to communicate with their teachers and peers. 

Take time this month to thank our SLPs—Ms. Hendrix and Ms. Mitchell—and share a smile with them!

 

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