District spotlights ‘grow‑your‑own’ path for speech‑language pathologists after staffing shortages

Topeka Public Schools highlighted a district “grow‑your‑own” initiative that helped paraprofessionals become licensed speech‑language pathologists, introducing two new district SLPs and discussing the broader staffing challenges in related services.

Superintendent and district staff introduced Madison Dressler and Emma Bolander, who described moving from paraprofessional roles into graduate study and clinical externships while remaining connected to the district. Dressler said she “started as a para in the speech language department” while doing online graduate coursework, completed an internship and is now a speech therapist in district schools. Bolander described returning to the district for clinical rotations and now serving as an SLP at Highland Park Central.

Why it matters: District leaders said shortages in related services (speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, school psychology) are nationwide and that the district’s approach gives people a pathway to careers while helping keep positions filled. The board discussed the program as an alternative recruitment strategy to maintain service capacity.

Program details: District staff said participants were supported through supervised internships and externships; one staff member described a model in which paraprofessionals can be brought back for externships during graduate study. The district intends to use district clinics and partnerships to expand appointment access and support for staff pursuing credentials.

Next steps: Board members thanked the new SLPs and asked administration to continue recruiting through creative pathways and to report back on program outcomes. The presentation was a recognition and information item; no board action was recorded.