Why does Society hold teachers to higher standards of moral and ethical behavior?

For me this was an easy question to answer; society holds teachers to higher standards of moral and ethical behavior because we are role models. Students spend approximately 7 hours a day, five days a week, nine months out of the year, in school. From their parents, many children learn the basis of what is right and wrong, and begin to learn to differentiate acceptable from unacceptable behaviors. When children begin to attend school, teachers become primary adult role models in their lives as well. Teachers have the opportunity to build upon the foundations that parents have already established. In some circumstances, teachers may even be the only positive adult role models a student will encounter in their lifetime. It is up to us to provide students with a living example both in and outside of the classroom. As teachers, whether we realize it or not, we are a huge influence on our students.
Not only are teachers role models for our students, but we are usually known within the community. Parents and other important people in our students’ lives also usually know who we are. Parents trust us with their children, and society trusts us to teach our students how to become productive members of that society. We are, or should be, teaching students life skills as well as academics. We are keepers of the future; we must remember that in the classroom and in life.

Why is collaborating with other teachers, or integrating courses or curricula, a matter of importance to you or your students, or to their futures?

This big question relates directly to some of the beliefs I discuss in my teaching philosophy. I believe educational speech-language pathologists must collaborate with teachers and other professionals to ensure maximum benefit for their clients; and I believe involving family members and other frequent communication partners is essential to a client’s success. Crossover, or generalization, is a main goal of speech-language services. All of the time and work that client and clinician put in to therapy will be of little, or no, benefit to the client if they still cannot communicate effectively outside of the therapy room.

Providing students with a collaborative service delivery, such as integrating therapy into the regular classroom, encourages generalization of skills. A collaborative, or integrated, therapy approach also provides for a more holistic view of the child; seeing them not only as a client in the therapy room, but also as a full person who needs to be able to use their skills in the “real world”. SLPs and teachers can also work together to enhance a child’s success in the classroom even if therapy service are provided using a “pull-out” method. A SLP could ask a teacher what units their classroom is covering, the SLP may then be able to integrate functional language, or other concepts related to the topic, into therapy. This type of collaborative approach can help enhance learning and encourage carryover as well.

In summary, speech-language pathology is not just about improving communication in the therapy room. In order to really have success, clients should be able to use their newly acquired communication skills in all settings. Success in the therapy room is wonderful, but without carryover therapy will be of little benefit to the student.

Answer to BIG Question 2

Why do you want to be a speech pathologist or audiologist?

I thought that tackling this question first would be a good way to introduce myself, as well as set the tone for the rest of my posted responses to the BIG questions asked by Professor Wilson.


When I first started college I had no idea what I wanted to study, much less pursue a career in. I have quite an array of interests, so I thought that narrowing them down and channeling them into a career path would be difficult. I have always known I would like to work with people and I have a strong interest in the medical, educational, and professional fields. I have a passion for working with people and am always striving to help those who want help. I believe that as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while combining all of the areas I am interested in.



Although I have never experienced what it is like to have a communication disorder, I know people who have. I have witnessed some of the emotional affects that communication disorders can have on people. It is very important to see the person first, but unfortunately many people see the disorder that is on the outside first. As a SLP I will be able to help people improve not only a client's communication skills, but also their quality of life.



I am a compassionate, patient, caring, and dedicated person. I will work hard to help my clients because I truly care what happens to them. I will be understanding and patient when progress is slow and will be enthusiastic every time they show improvement. If people coming to me for help are willing to work hard, I will work hard with them to help them overcome their obstacles where I can.