The Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association (MSHA) is deeply disappointed by the recent determination from the Mississippi Department of Education that school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are not eligible to receive the one-time $2,000 special education salary supplement.
Recent clarification from state leaders confirmed that all eligible special education teachers will receive the supplement; however, MDE has stated that professionals already receiving the state’s National Board/Professional Certification salary supplement, including many school-based speech-language pathologists who hold the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), are not eligible for the additional payment as they are already receiving a supplement.
While we appreciate the clarification regarding the state’s interpretation of the legislation, MSHA respectfully disagrees with this determination. School-based SLPs are an essential part of every special education team. Every day, they evaluate students, develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), provide federally mandated therapy services, collaborate with educators and families, and help students achieve meaningful educational outcomes. In many districts, school-based SLPs work almost exclusively with students receiving special education services.
MSHA believes this decision fails to fully recognize the vital role that speech-language pathologists play in delivering special education services throughout Mississippi. Whether or not they receive the existing professional certification supplement, school-based SLPs are highly trained professionals whose expertise is required to ensure that students with communication disorders receive the services they need to access a free and appropriate public education. Their contributions are no less critical than those of any other member of the special education team.
We appreciate the Mississippi Legislature’s commitment to supporting educators and improving compensation for professionals serving students with disabilities. However, we remain concerned that this interpretation results in school-based speech-language pathologists, despite serving some of our state’s most vulnerable students every day, being excluded from this important investment in the special education workforce.
MSHA will continue to advocate for equitable recognition and compensation for school-based speech-language pathologists. We are actively evaluating opportunities to work with state leaders, legislators, and education officials to seek a resolution that appropriately recognizes the invaluable contributions of SLPs serving Mississippi’s students.
Mississippi Speech-Language-Hearing Association 