- Title
- Perceived levels of burnout in public school SLPs
- Year Issued
- 2023
- Abstract
-
School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) experience high caseloads and increasing demands on their time. Simultaneously, levels of burnout are increasing across many fields, including education. As burnout rates are increasing, so are the numbers of workers l...
Show moreSchool-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) experience high caseloads and increasing demands on their time. Simultaneously, levels of burnout are increasing across many fields, including education. As burnout rates are increasing, so are the numbers of workers leaving specific fields. As of now, there are no studies that explore the level of burnout that school SLPs are facing. Therefore, the aim of this study was do determine these levels, identify the factors contributing to these feelings, and how they impact the potential for SLPs to leave the field. A qualitative study was completed via surveys sent to eligible school-based SLPs. The SLPs were asked to complete an open-ended survey, which would provide a snapshot of the lived experiences of the participants. The results showed that the SLPs that participated are experiencing similar situations, with similar constraints put on their time during work hours. All of the participants report experiencing at least one symptom of burnout, with many experiencing these feelings multiple times per week. The SLPs identified similar factors contributing to their feelings, as well as specific ways administrators could work to fix these problems. The results showed that, while SLPs are experiencing burnout, most are unlikely to leave the school-based sector at this time.
Show less - Author
- DeCarlo, Christy Olexa
- Title
- Perceptions and pragmatics of therapy dog implementation in schools
- Year Issued
- 2022
- Abstract
-
The benefits of the application of therapy dogs have been well documented. Studies related to therapy dogs have shown success in reducing stress and anxiety, improving behavior and self-esteem, increasing reading scores, promoting socialization and motivation, increa...
Show moreThe benefits of the application of therapy dogs have been well documented. Studies related to therapy dogs have shown success in reducing stress and anxiety, improving behavior and self-esteem, increasing reading scores, promoting socialization and motivation, increasing rates of de-escalation, and helping younger children develop empathy. Common concerns related to the use of therapy dogs have previously been documented. These concerns include child and animal welfare, animal hygiene, zoonotic disease, and fear or cultural differences. Concerns such as these may cause schools to deny the use of therapy dogs in their facilities. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine what problems have manifested in schools and how they compare to concerns documented by previous studies. Staff in Pennsylvania schools were surveyed to identify what, if any, problems arose during the implementation of therapy dog programs within their districts, and whether staff perceptions changed after implementation. Results from this study can assist school stakeholders in decision-making and policy development related to therapy dog implementation. Despite problems that have manifested, including those specific to K-12 schools, staff perspectives of therapy dogs became more favorable after implementation.
Show less - Author
- Garchinsky, Janet