Students will be eligible to obtain a professional certificate as Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD) issued by the New York State Department of Education provided that they meet the education, practicum (student teaching) and observation requirements on the graduate level, as required by the New York State Department of Education. Students opting for this option must enroll in practicum, CSD 330: Speech-Language Pathology in Education Settings, and obtain 30 hours of observation in a school-based setting. The student then takes a practicum, CSD 407 (two credits), in a school-based setting which requires a minimum of 150 contact hours of 100% supervised direct student teaching and 30 hours of observation at that facility. Students must also take two, one-hour seminars in child abuse and autism.
A special selection of coursework to meet New York State Department of Education requirements for the certificate will be provided to those students who are interested in this program. Upon completion of the TSSLD program, students will be endorsed to the State. Prior to conducting any therapy or being placed at any outside facility, all students must obtain 25 hours of clinical observation of speech/language therapy AND earn a minimum of 25 hours of supervised direct clinical experience at St. John’s University’s Speech and Hearing Center. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with New York State Department of Education requirements for the TSSLD and can visit the website here.