Resource Industry: Schools

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a TVI

Each day, teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) change lives in classrooms across the country by helping students who are blind or visually impaired learn, grow, and thrive in ways that work for them. These educators don’t just teach academic skills—they empower students to navigate the world with confidence and independence.

If you’re passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and supporting students who are blind or have low vision, a career as a TVI might be the perfect fit. In this guide, Soliant career experts break down exactly how to become a teacher of the visually impaired.

How to Become a Teacher of the Visually Impaired

It’s a role filled with purpose, patience, and so much impact. If you’re wondering how to get started, here’s a clear step-by-step guide to becoming a TVI:

Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree

The first step on the route to becoming a TVI is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education, special education, or a related field. This education will lay the groundwork for becoming a certified teacher and give you a strong foundation in teaching methods, child development, and classroom management.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can still pursue a TVI career through a master’s program or certification pathway.

Step 2: Complete a TVI Specialized Training Program

Next, you’ll need specialized training that focuses specifically on working with students who are blind or visually impaired. These programs are typically offered as graduate-level certificates or master’s degrees.

Some programs may even be tailored to your state’s certification process, so it’s a good idea to check your state’s requirements when considering where to complete your TVI program. For example, most states need you to pass a comprehensive exam to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness to support this unique student population, which could be integrated into some TVI preparation programs.

Step 3: Obtain Teacher of the Visually Impaired Certification

Once you complete your training, the next step is getting licensed. At a minimum, most states require:

1. A valid teaching license
2. A specialized certification that qualifies you to work specifically with students who are blind or have low vision

Most states require you to earn state-level certification to teach students in grades K–12. Depending on the state and the school or district hiring you, additional certifications may be required. We recommend visiting your state’s department of education website for the most up-to-date certification requirements.

Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience

Like any teaching role, hands-on experience is a key part of becoming a successful TVI. Most programs also include a student teaching component where you’ll work directly with visually impaired students under the guidance of an experienced mentor. This gives you a chance to practice teaching, use assistive technology, adapt curriculum materials, and get comfortable with the collaborative nature of the role and school setting.

Step 5: Make it Official & Apply!

Once you’re certified and have some experience to show off on your resume, you’re ready to start applying! TVIs are in high demand across the country, especially in public schools, educational programs for students with visual impairments, and virtual learning settings. You can find roles where you may work as a remote TVI, assist one student throughout the school year, or travel between schools to support multiple students in different grades.

Start Your Journey to Become a TVI

As a TVI, you’re not just teaching academic skills. You’re giving students the tools to live more independently and confidently, discover their strengths, advocate for themselves, and believe in what’s possible.

The work of a TVI matters deeply. If you’re ready to take on the rewarding role, Soliant invites you to explore our variety of TVI openings in schools across the country today. Your future starts here!

All About the Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY)

If you’re on your journey to becoming a fully licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP), chances are you’ve heard of the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY). More than just a graduation requirement, this exciting step is where future SLPs get to put their classroom knowledge into real-world experience.

But what exactly is an SLP CFY, and what does it involve? In this Soliant guide, learn everything you need to know about SLP CFYs.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY)?

The Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) is a required phase between completing your graduate coursework and applying for your Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). It provides aspiring SLPs with a year of experience working under the guidance of a licensed and certified mentor.

During this time, SLPs learn how to put their skills into practice, from managing caseloads and gaining the hands-on experience needed to become a confident, independent clinician.

What Are the Requirements?

To begin your CFY, you’ll need to have:

• A master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program
• A temporary or provisional state license (requirements vary by state)
• A position that meets ASHA’s requirements for clinical fellowship experience
• A qualified mentor who holds their CCC-SLP and meets supervision standards

Your CFY must include:

• At least 36 weeks of full-time work (or the part-time equivalent)
• A minimum of 1,260 hours of supervised clinical practice
• At least 80% of your time spent in direct clinical contact
• Ongoing supervision and feedback from your CF mentor, including formal evaluations

Once your CFY is successfully completed and signed off by your supervisor, you’re eligible to apply for your CCCs.

What are the Duties of an SLP CFY?

While your duties will depend on the setting, many SLP clinical fellows gain experience in the following day-to-day tasks under the supervision and guidance of a licensed SLP:

• Evaluate speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans
• Provide therapy sessions
• Collaborate with families, educators, and other specialists
• Document progress and maintain accurate records
• Participate in IEP meetings (if working in a school setting)
• Learn time management, caseload organization, and how to handle paperwork like a pro

Ready to Start Your SLP CFY Journey?

Your Clinical Fellowship Year isn’t just a box to check; it’s the foundation for your career. This year gives you space to ask questions, make mistakes, grow your skills, and truly discover what kind of SLP you want to be.

At Soliant, we specialize in connecting new SLP graduates with school-based CFY opportunities across the country. Whether you’re looking to work in a big city or a tight-knit rural community, our team is here to help you find the right fit and the right support.

Explore SLP CFY opportunities and SLP roles with Soliant today, and take the next step in your journey to becoming a confident, certified SLP!

Looking for more SLP career insights? Browse Soliant’s school therapy resources here, including resume outlines and templates, Praxis exam guides, and more!

Why Acceptable Behavior Matters: Setting the Foundation for Student Success

A classroom is a space where students come together to learn, grow, and build social skills that will benefit them both academically and personally. However, to create an environment where students can thrive, it’s essential to set clear expectations for acceptable behavior.

In this Soliant guide, learn what acceptable behavior in the classroom looks like, why it’s important, and how educators can foster an environment that encourages productive learning.

What is Acceptable Behavior in the Classroom?

While “acceptable behavior” can vary from classroom to classroom, there are several key behaviors that are typically expected in any educational setting. These include:

• Active Participation: Students are encouraged to participate in classroom activities and contribute to group work.
• Respect for Others: Students should be polite, listen when others are speaking, and treat their classmates and teachers with kindness.
• Following Directions: Students should follow instructions from teachers and other staff members.
• Staying On Task: Students should focus on the task at hand and complete their assignments within a reasonable time frame.
• Responsibility: Students should take ownership of their actions, such as completing assignments on time and following school rules.
• Positive Attitude: Maintaining a positive outlook, even when faced with challenges, helps students build resilience and encourages others.

Why Acceptable Behavior Matters

When students display respectful behavior, and these behaviors are practiced regularly, it benefits both them and their fellow classmates. Acceptable behavior is important for:

• Better Focus and Learning: Students who follow classroom rules can focus more on lessons without distractions, leading to better academic outcomes.
• Respectful Interactions: Positive behavior encourages respectful communication and relationships between students and teachers.
• Safety and Well-being: Clear behavior expectations help ensure that all students feel safe and supported in their classroom environment.

How to Foster Acceptable Behavior in the Classroom

Creating a classroom environment that promotes positive behavior starts with the teacher. Here are some strategies to help educators promote acceptable behavior in their classrooms:

1. Set Clear Expectations from the Start: At the beginning of the school year or semester, clearly communicate your behavior expectations to students. Be specific about what is acceptable and what is not.
2. Be Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to managing classroom behavior. Apply the rules fairly and consistently so that students know what to expect. When students see that behaviors are being addressed in a consistent manner, they’re more likely to follow them.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise students when they display acceptable behavior. Positive reinforcement, especially through rewards like stickers, can encourage them to repeat those behaviors in the future.
4. Model Good Behavior: As a teacher, your behavior sets the tone for the classroom. Model the kind of behavior you want to see by practicing respect, active listening, and patience in all interactions.

Building a Positive Classroom Culture with Acceptable Behavior

Acceptable behavior is the foundation of a productive, respectful, and safe classroom environment. If you’re passionate about helping students succeed in a supportive environment, browse Soliant’s additional education and school therapy resources for additional career guides, or check out Soliant’s job openings for teachers and other job opportunities in schools today. You could be the key to helping students build the skills they need to excel in school and beyond!

Teletherapy in Education: A New Way to Support Students’ Well-Being

Teletherapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the education setting, offering students access to critical support services from the comfort of their own homes or classrooms. Whether it’s through speech therapy, behavioral support, or occupational therapy, teletherapists are reshaping how schools provide essential services to their students.

But what exactly is teletherapy in education, how does it work, and how effective is it? In this Soliant guide, learn everything you need to know about teletherapy and how it’s changing children’s futures, one video call at a time.

What is Teletherapy?

Teletherapy refers to the delivery of therapy services via digital platforms such as video calls, chat, or phone calls. In education, teletherapy provides students with access to therapies that support their academic, emotional, and social well-being. It’s an excellent solution for students who may not have access to in-person services due to geographical limitations, school shortages, or other challenges.

How Does Teletherapy Work?

Teletherapy works by connecting therapists and students using secure digital platforms. These platforms often include video conferencing tools, screen-sharing options, and interactive whiteboards, which allow therapists to engage with students in real-time.

Here’s how the typical teletherapy session works:

1. Scheduling: Like in-person therapy, students and therapists schedule sessions in advance.
2. Platform Access: On the day of the session, students access the platform through a computer, tablet, or other device.
3. Session Delivery: During the session, the therapist conducts activities similar to in-person therapy, such as exercises, games, or interactive lessons. For example, a speech therapist might use visual aids or online games to help a student practice speech sounds.
4. Feedback & Progress Monitoring: Therapists track progress and provide feedback just as they would during an in-person session. Sessions may also be recorded (with parental consent) for review and progress tracking.

Teletherapy sessions can be done one-on-one or in small group settings, depending on the school’s needs. The beauty of teletherapy is that it provides flexible, convenient access to therapy without compromising the quality of the service.

Does Teletherapy Work?

The effectiveness of teletherapy has been a hot topic, especially with the growth of online learning and virtual services. The good news is that research has consistently shown that teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy.

Of course, there are challenges, such as ensuring students have access to the necessary technology and maintaining student engagement during virtual sessions. However, with the right tools, teletherapy makes crucial services accessible to students who might not otherwise receive them.

Which Teletherapy Roles Do Schools Hire?

As schools continue to expand their teletherapy services, there is a growing demand for various types of professionals to support students in this virtual environment. Here are some of the key remote roles schools typically hire for:

1. Occupational Therapists: Remote occupational therapists work with students to improve fine motor skills, daily living tasks, and sensory processing through virtual activities and exercises.
2. Speech-Language Pathologists: Remote speech-language pathologists help students overcome speech, language, and communication challenges using virtual therapy sessions tailored to each student’s needs.
3. Special Education: Remote special education teachers provide individualized instruction and support to students with disabilities, adapting lessons and strategies to meet their unique learning needs.
4. Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing work remotely to create accessible learning environments for students, using specialized communication techniques and technology to bridge hearing gaps.
5. Teachers of the Visually Impaired: Remote teachers for visually impaired students develop and deliver specialized lessons, using assistive technology to ensure students have equal access to educational content.
6. School Psychologists: Remote school psychologists provide counseling, conduct assessments, and support students’ mental health needs through virtual sessions and interventions.
7. Behavioral Specialists: Remote behavioral specialists help students manage emotional and behavioral challenges, implementing strategies to improve classroom behavior and social skills through virtual sessions.
8. Sign Language Interpreters: Remote sign language interpreters facilitate communication for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, ensuring they can fully participate in educational activities.

The Future of Teletherapy in Education

Teletherapy is revolutionizing the way schools provide essential therapy services, ensuring that students can get the support they need to thrive regardless of where they live.

If you’re a school therapist interested in exploring teletherapy opportunities, now is the time to get involved. Explore Soliant’s teletherapy roles today and make therapy more accessible to students everywhere!

An educational audiologist helps make sure students have the hearing support they need to succeed in school. They’re an important part of the school team, working behind the scenes to ensure students can hear clearly and fully participate in class.

Each day is a little different for audiologists, especially depending on the school, but there are some core tasks they all share. In this Soliant guide, we’ll take you through an example of a day in the life of an educational audiologist and show you the meaningful work they do to help students thrive.

Morning: Checking Equipment and Preparing for the Day

A day in the life of an educational audiologist often begins early, with the first task being a review of hearing equipment, such as hearing aids, FM systems, or cochlear implants. Audiologists will inspect the devices to ensure they’re working properly, clean them if necessary, and troubleshoot any issues.

After that, they’ll likely touch base with teachers and staff to chat about any students who might need extra support, making sure everyone’s aligned for the day ahead.

Mid-Morning: Delivering Care

Next, the audiologist dives into direct care, running hearing screenings or more detailed tests for students. These are usually for students who missed a previous check or show signs of hearing issues, like struggling to follow speech or pick up classroom sounds. The audiologist uses special equipment in a soundproof booth or classroom to test hearing, and based on the results, decides if more testing or a referral to an ENT specialist is needed.

Late Morning: Troubleshooting and Fitting Hearing Devices

After the tests, the audiologist works with students who use hearing aids or other assistive devices, troubleshooting issues like bad sound quality or device problems. For students with new devices, the audiologist provides extra training to help them get the hang of it, showing them how to put them in, adjust the volume, or clean them properly.

Afternoon: Collaborating with Teachers and Parents

Collaboration is a big part of an audiologist’s job. They meet regularly with teachers to discuss how students with hearing impairments are doing in class, coming up with strategies to help them thrive. For example, they might suggest seating arrangements or share tips with teachers on speaking clearly, facing students when talking, and reducing background noise.

Late Afternoon: Documentation and Follow-Up

As the day wraps up, the audiologist takes time to document everything—entering test results, updating student records, and writing progress reports. This helps keep track of all the work they’ve done and ensures students get the care they need.

They also schedule follow-up appointments for students who need more tests or hearing aid adjustments and review their schedule for the next day to make sure they’re ready for whatever comes their way.

The Essential Role of Audiologists in Education

The work of an educational audiologist is incredibly rewarding. Every day is different, with a mix of technical tasks, direct student care, and collaboration with teachers and parents. However, the impact they have on students’ lives is immeasurable.

By ensuring students have the hearing support they need, audiologists help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally, allowing them to reach their full potential.

Ready to make a difference in students’ lives? Browse and apply for Soliant’s school audiologist positions and help students thrive with the hearing support they need! Don’t forget to check out our additional education and school therapy resources to learn more about the impactful role of school audiologists.

The Role of School Counselors: Supporting Students, Shaping Futures

School counselors are just one of the unsung heroes who make a real difference in students’ lives, helping them navigate the ups and downs of school and beyond. From guiding a student through personal struggles to offering advice on picking the right classes, they play a key role in shaping academic success and social growth.

In this guide, Soliant career experts dive into the school counselor job description, including the responsibilities, what the job entails, and the specific roles for counselors at different grade levels.

What is a School Counselor?

A school counselor is a dedicated professional who helps students thrive, both inside and outside the classroom. With a specialized skillset, they provide support for a wide range of challenges—academic struggles, personal hurdles, emotional ups and downs, and even big career decisions. Whether it’s offering one-on-one guidance, running group sessions, or developing programs tailored to student needs, school counselors are at the heart of creating a supportive and positive learning environment.

School Counselor Job Description

While the specific duties of a school counselor can vary based on the school’s grade level, there are core responsibilities shared across the profession:

• Academic Counseling: Helping students plan their course schedules, offering advice on academic goals, and assisting with overcoming academic challenges.
• Emotional Support: Providing counseling for students dealing with stress, anxiety, bullying, or family issues.
• Social Skills Development: Guiding students in building healthy relationships, managing conflict, and developing effective communication skills.
• Career Guidance: Helping high school students explore potential career paths, prepare for college applications, and create post-graduation plans.
• Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support for students dealing with crises, such as mental health issues or traumatic events, and connecting them with appropriate resources.

Elementary School Counselor Job Description

In elementary schools, counselors focus on laying the foundation for students’ social and emotional development. The role is more about building a safe environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

What Do Elementary School Counselors Do?

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Introducing young students to the basics of emotional intelligence, empathy, and problem-solving.
• Conflict Resolution: Helping students navigate disputes with classmates and teaching them how to manage emotions in challenging situations.
• Parent and Teacher Collaboration: Working closely with teachers and parents to ensure students are progressing both academically and emotionally.
• Counseling: Providing one-on-one or group sessions on age-appropriate topics like bullying, social skills, friendship building, or anger management.

Middle School Counselor Job Description

Middle school can be a challenging time for students as they navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence. School counselors at this level are essential in helping students cope with the changes they’re experiencing emotionally, academically, and socially.

What Do Middle School Counselors Do?

• Academic Guidance: Assisting students with selecting the right courses and managing academic workload.
• Peer Pressure and Social Skills: Helping students build self-esteem and make positive choices in dealing with peer pressure, bullying, and relationships.
• Crisis Intervention: Providing support for students dealing with more complex issues such as family problems, anxiety, or depression.
• High School Preparation: Introducing students to the concept of high school and beyond, helping them understand the importance of making good academic and personal choices.

High School Counselor Job Description

High school counselors play a key role in helping students navigate some of the biggest decisions they’ll face. Often referred to as career or guidance counselors, they help with everything from figuring out college admissions to exploring future careers, all while offering support during what can be an emotional and confusing time. The role is diverse, and they are there to help students through it all—academics, personal challenges, and everything in between.

What Do High School Counselors Do?

• College Counseling: Helping students choose colleges, navigate the application process, write personal statements, and apply for financial aid.
• Career Guidance: Assisting students with career exploration, providing resources for internships and job shadowing.
• Personal Counseling: Offering counseling for students dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, often collaborating with outside professionals when needed.
• Academic Advising: Ensuring students are meeting graduation requirements and advising them on course selection that aligns with their future goals.
• College and Career Readiness Programs: Leading workshops and seminars on topics like college applications, scholarships, and job readiness.

School Counselors: The Heart of Student Success

A school counselor’s job is as rewarding as it is challenging. Whether they are helping a young child resolve a conflict with a classmate, guiding a middle schooler through their first major life changes, or helping a high schooler plan their future, school counselors play a big role in shaping the path ahead for students.

If you’re passionate about helping students overcome challenges and achieve their goals, a career as a school counselor might be the perfect fit for you. Explore Soliant’s wide range of school counselor opportunities here today!

Looking for more information on education and school therapy careers? Browse Soliant’s additional education career resources here, featuring resume templates, step-by-step job guides, and more!