SLPtobee

jbSLP, yes. This is my 4th year as an SLP-A with my sponsoring district.

Hang in there, Trix. I work with a team of 8... 5 SLPs and 3 SLP-As, myself included. I have been squirreling out the SLPs' grad school stories lately, and I have found that nearly every single one experienced some rejections and disappointments before the right door opened. One of them applied to TWUs (non-TETN) grad program straight out of undergrad, with a 3.1 GPA, and didn't get in. She worked as an assistant for a few years, tried again, and got in. She's now an SLP. I told you the story of my other SLP friend above, who got into the TETN program the second time around. The ones who did get into grad school straight from undergrad said that those with work experience really had a leg up over those that did not, and they fought a bit of an uphill battle there in the beginning. This is just a bump in the road to you being an amazing SLP, and someday, your story will encourage others. It's not over. It's just beginning. You've got this.

Go to this link: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/speech/sp_forms.shtm Check out the "Clinical Deficiency Plan for an Assistant Worksheet" for more info on getting the hours you need to license. The "Clinical Deficiency Plan for an Assistant" is what would have to be filled out by your prospective supervisor, who is working with you to get your hours (I think they would have to hire you in the end, so keep that in mind). As far as documentation, you would just need a generic log that documents the dates, durations, and nature of your observation/ practicum hours. You need the specific forms above, but I don't think you need a specific log per se, as long as it is signed off by the supervising SLP. Call the State Board of Examiners for SLP to double check, though: (512) 834-6627. They should be able to give you all the info you need.

Trix, I have a good friend who leveled through TWU, but didn't get into the TETN program the first time around. Basically, the leveling program gives you the coursework you need, but not the 25 hours of observation and 25 hours of practicum you need in order to be licensed. In order to get those, you will need to find a school district or an SLP who is willing to work with you to get you those hours. Once you have them, you can apply for licensure. My friend got her hours over the summer through the SLPs at the school district she had already been working for as a teacher. She was then hired as an assistant for a couple of years, re-applied and GOT IN to the next TETN cycle. The work experience really helped. She is now a C'ed SLP and loving it. There's hope!

NatSLP3, I think we are responsible for finding our own sponsors. I am already employed by my sponsoring district, so I am able to skip that step. I think you have until April, though. Hang in there!

Congrats, NatSLP3! Region 11 here, too. See you in May!

I was sent a formal acceptance letter via email, and asked to return an acceptance form via email or fax. My status still says "Awaiting Department Review" on WebAdvisor, though.

It was my impression that the applicants were responsible for lining up their own sponsorship, although I could be wrong. I think you have until April or so to get a sponsorship agreement. The Acceptance Form might just be to find out if you have any leads. I am already an SLP-A and employed by my sponsoring district, so it wasn't an issue for me. You might call Sue and ask, though.

I'm in, too!! I got my acceptance letter at 3:12 today. Region 11, last name starts with D, submitted my application mid September. Congrats to everyone, and good luck to those still waiting!

Region 11! Good luck, everyone!