Empowering Every Voice

In Tempe Elementary Schools, every voice matters. But for students with speech-sound, language, and fluency disorders, finding their voice can be challenging. That’s where the district’s Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) come in. 

At every campus in the district, a dedicated SLP supports students that have been found eligible for special education services in building the skills to communicate clearly and confidently, interact socially, advocate for themselves, and fully participate in school life. At Fuller Elementary, that role belongs to Katelyn Whalen.

The special education services that students receive by an SLP are based on factors such as the severity of their needs, attention and alertness, behaviors, engagement, and any other services they may be receiving. “Some students benefit most from shorter, more frequent sessions, whereas other students do best with longer sessions that are less frequent,” Whalen said. 

Beyond individualized time with students, collaboration with caregivers and teachers is essential to student success. “When we’re able to work together as a team to support students’ communication development across all settings, not just during the speech session, the real magic can happen,” Whalen said.

One of the primary ways Whalen collaborates with classroom teachers is through augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC. AAC is any form of communication besides spoken speech, such as picture symbols, sign language, communication boards, and high-tech devices. “I love getting AAC devices into the hands of students who need them, either because they’re nonspeaking or because their speech is very hard for others to understand,” Whalen said. “After that, I rely on teachers and support staff to incorporate AAC into the rest of the student’s school day, ensuring the device becomes a functional part of their learning.”

When asked what she wishes more people knew about the students who receive SLP services, Whalen shared:

“Students that receive speech services are incredibly diverse in their strengths and needs. At their core, they’re just like any other students — curious, capable, and full of potential. The support they receive doesn’t define who they are; they’re simply tools that help them connect, participate, and grow. These students work on skills many of us take for granted, and they do it with creativity, humor, and determination.”

While the job of SLPs can be challenging, Whalen values the growth she sees in students. “I love celebrating their little victories and successes with them, no matter how big or small,” she said. “I also love seeing students notice and take ownership of their own progress. It’s so fun to see their eyes light up when they know they’ve improved on a skill!”

Recently, Whalen watched one of her students take their success to the national stage by submitting a letter to the National Stuttering Foundation about their experience with stuttering. “When I first met this student, they were timid and uncertain about their stuttering. After working together for a couple of years and gaining more knowledge about stuttering, their confidence really grew,” Whalen said.

That letter was published in the latest issue of the National Stuttering Foundation magazine. “I’m grateful I had the opportunity to be a small part of this student’s growth.” 

Whalen and SLPs across the district know firsthand the life-changing impact of giving students access to their voice — they thrive. Tempe Elementary Schools is proud to provide these essential services to eligible students because, as Whalen says, “Knowledge is power and their confidence really grows as they learn more about their own speech.”

If you suspect that your child may have a disability or other delays, please visit Tempe Elementary Schools’ Child Find website to learn more about the referral and evaluation process.

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Speech Therapy services like those described in this story reflect Tempe Elementary’s commitment to maximizing individual student growth and achievement, focusing on strengths and needs, as outlined in Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan.

About Tempe Elementary Schools
Tempe Elementary School comprises 21 small, neighborhood elementary and middle schools in Tempe, Arizona. Tempe Elementary is committed to providing a welcoming, achieving, eye-opening, and future-ready preschool to 8th grade education to free the boundless potential in each child - so they are fully prepared to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow and excel for a lifetime. Learn more about Tempe Elementary Schools.