Speech-Language Pathologist — Special Education (K-12)

North Thurston Public Schools; Lacey (WA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

North Thurston Public Schools in Lacey, Washington, seeks a Speech Language Pathologist for the 2026-27 school year within Special Education. The role supports elementary and secondary students, providing assessments, interventions, and program design integrated with the district’s services.

The position emphasizes collaboration with teachers, therapists, and families, maintaining student records and developing annual goals.

Qualifications

• Incumbents must have successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities.
• Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Speech Language Pathologist certificate.
• Master’s degree in speech pathology from an accredited college or university.
• Ability to understand procedures and function in a school system with regard to the special part health services play in the overall education of the student.
• Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents, district staff, and community members who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse.
• Ability to effectively communicate with parents, students, and staff verbally and in writing.
• Commitment to collaboration and teaming and effectiveness in working within a professional learning community.
• Evidence of continuous professional learning and a commitment to participate in professional growth opportunities and self reflection on professional practice.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) preferred.
• Experience working with, or knowledge, of Limited English Proficient students.
• Successful experience teaching in a diverse student environment.
• Successful experience in a team teaching environment.

Responsibilities

• Provides speech and language testing and evaluations of students referred to the speech-language pathologist.
• Develops and maintains a schedule of services to assure the needs of all assigned students are met.
• Maintains individual student service records as required by the federal government, state, district, and sound professional practice.
• Provides habilitative or rehabilitative services for those students identified as having speech, language, or hearing problems.
• Provides consultative services to appropriate personnel (i.e. teachers, administrators, parents, etc)
• Maintains ongoing records for each individual case (speech, language, hearing).
• Initiates and updates short-term and long-term goals for each case annually on an individual education program form, with signed parent approval.
• Provides assistance for training of other personnel (i.e. practicum students, student teachers, helpers, etc.).
• Provides input in regard to developing and conducting research in speech and hearing and pupil services department.
• Works in a flexible and cooperative manner.
• Treats co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serves as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students.
• Works closely with reading specialists, literacy coaches, special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, audiologists, guidance counselors, and social workers, in addition to others.
• Works with school and district administrators in designing and implementing programs.
• Work includes data-based decision making, including gathering and interpreting data with individual students, as well as overall program evaluation.
• In performing the above duties, works collaboratively in a professional learning community with other teachers, support staff, and others as appropriate, in addressing the needs of students, developing effective practices, and developing and implementing best practices.
• Actively participates in faculty and grade level or department meetings, assist building efforts to plan, budget, implement, and evaluate the school’s program and to do related work as required. In carrying out these responsibilities, follows school policy and procedures, standard practices, and approved curriculum, and will actively and positively support the school vision.
• Is constantly observant of the needs and challenges of students and promptly engages an administrator or appropriate educational staff associates when there is reason to suspect or reasonably believe that a student is at risk or in danger due to such issues as bullying, sexual harassment/misconduct, depression or suicide ideation, or academic failure. The teacher serves as a positive role model for students and practices the behaviors that are expected of students.
• Assists in the supervision of students at school activities and events. Remains vigilant of students throughout the school day and the school location, taking the initiative to engage students when students are acting inappropriately or in inappropriate locations for the time of day.
• Establishes a professional growth plan and annually review the plan and progress with the administrator.
• Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Master’s degree in speech pathology from an accredited college or university

Washington ESA Speech Language Pathologist certificate

Job description

North Thurston Public Schools in Lacey, Washington, seeks a Speech Language Pathologist for the 2026-27 school year within Special Education. The role supports elementary and secondary students, providing assessments, interventions, and program design integrated with the district’s services.

The position emphasizes collaboration with teachers, therapists, and families, maintaining student records and developing annual goals.