Partnering with Teacher Unions
RISHA’s Committee on Partnering with Teacher Unions provides leadership, resources, and opportunities for state-wide collaboration to assist school-based SLPs as they advocate for improved working conditions and equitable compensation.
ASHA Resources:
- https://www.asha.org/slp/schools/salaries/advocacy-unions/
- https://stream.asha.org/partnering-with-teacher-unions-to-improve-working-conditions-in-schools
- https://www.asha.org/events/asha-and-nea-virtual-town-hall/
- https://community.asha.org/engagingwithunionsinschools/home
School Contracts:
- Cranston Public Schools (September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2025)
- Warwick School District
- West Warwick Public Schools (September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2026)
- Pawtucket School Department (9-1-20 to 8-31-23)
- Providence Public Schools (9-1-2023 to 8-31-2024)
- Woonsocket Public Schools (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024)
Local Contract Language:
“Section 3: Recognition of National Certifications other than NBPTS
a) Service provider bargaining unit members who hold national certification and/or credentials that exceed the minimum requirements for licensure and/or certification and are equivalent to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification process, shall receive the same compensation, benefits and standing as NBPTS certified bargaining unit members as prescribed in this Article.
b) Such certifications include, but may not be limited to, the following: National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN) for School Nurse Teachers; Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP); Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS); ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SP) for Speech-Language Pathologists; and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).” – West Warwick Public Schools (September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2026)
“All Related Service Providers shall be responsible for service capture delivery logs documented within two (2) weeks of service. In order to comply with these deadlines, the Administration shall provide to Elementary Related Service Providers a minimum of two (2) continuous blocks of thirty-five (35) minutes per week of administrative time in addition to unassigned time provided for in Article VIII. The scheduling of these two (2) administrative blocks of time is subject to the approval of the Principal or his/her designee. The Administration shall provide suitable equipment or access to suitable equipment to all Related Service Providers to complete service capture delivery logs and other administrative tasks.” – Cranston Public Schools (September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2025)
“(f) The School Committee shall limit caseloads for speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, occupational
therapist assistants, physical therapists, and physical therapist assistants to no more than sixty (60) students. If the caseload
maximum is exceeded for any individual in these classifications, that individual shall receive a stipend of 1/60th of his/her annual
salary per each student over the sixty (60) student maximum for the duration of the rostered overage.” – Pawtucket School Department (9-1-20 to 8-31-23)