Across the country, school districts are working hard to support students with speech and language needs, but many are running into a familiar roadblock: there simply aren’t enough in-person speech-language pathologists (SLPs) available in certain areas.
At NLST, we understand the desire for in-person services. We know that school teams value face-to-face connection and hands-on collaboration. But when the pool of available SLPs doesn’t match the geographic need, it’s time to look at additional solutions, not as a compromise, but as an opportunity to think differently.
A Growing Challenge
Some school districts are located in areas with very few (or no) local SLPs available. Others are offering rates that make relocation or long commutes unrealistic. As a result, positions stay unfilled, caseloads grow, and students may wait weeks — or even months — to receive services they’re legally entitled to.
In these moments, insisting on in-person only can unintentionally limit options. That’s where we come in.
More Options, Same High Standards
At NLST, we specialize in matching districts with high-quality providers, whether that’s an in-person SLP, a virtual SLP, or a well-trained SLPA (Speech-Language Pathology Assistant) under appropriate supervision. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We believe in listening to your needs, then crafting a staffing solution that works for your team, your budget, and most importantly, your students.
Our virtual providers use evidence-based practices and secure platforms to deliver meaningful, effective services. Our SLPAs are trained to support IEPs, communicate with teams, and extend the reach of supervising SLPs. And our in-person team is ready when the right match is available in your region.
Let’s Talk Flexibility
We know change isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to student support. But flexibility can be the bridge between open positions and timely services. And with the right partner, it doesn’t have to mean lowering standards or settling for less.
It may mean adjusting the rate to attract in-person talent. Or it might mean integrating a virtual model for certain students. Either way, we’re here to help you navigate it, with transparency, creativity, and a focus on outcomes.
We’re in This Together
At NLST, we’re not just filling roles, we’re building partnerships. We want to be a trusted extension of your team, helping you serve students without delay or disruption. If you’re open to exploring new ways to meet your district’s speech needs, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves with you.
Let’s create a plan that works — together.
Still searching for an SLP? Hit our “Request an SLP” button to get started!
