COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 85

April 11, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	2008-2009 Virginia Incentive Program for Speech-Language Pathologists (VIP-SLP)

In a continuing effort to increase the pool of qualified speech-language pathologists in Virginia public schools, the Virginia Department of Education has budgeted funds to encourage professionals working in the private sector and recent graduates to accept positions in Virginia public schools. The Virginia Incentive Program for Speech-Language Pathologists (VIP-SLP) pays up to $3,000 per year for speech-language pathologists employed full-time in a Virginia public school division and $1,500 per year for those who work part-time.

This incentive program is available to speech-language pathologists who hold a master’s degree and who meet the following qualifications:

• Have accepted a full-time or part-time contract with a Virginia public school division as a speech-language pathologist for the 2008-2009 academic year;
• Have not been employed by a Virginia school division during the past three years;
• Did not participate in a special education personnel preparation program funded by the Virginia Department of Education; and
• Meet all current licensure requirements and have applied or currently hold a five-year renewable license with an endorsement as a speech-language pathologist issued by the Virginia Board of Education.

The funding period for this activity ends June 30, 2009. If the number of applications received exceeds funds available, financial incentives will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Once employment has been secured, the speech-language pathologists should submit a completed application to the Virginia Department of Education with verification by school division personnel.

If you have questions regarding eligibility for the incentive program, please contact Dr. Patricia Burgess, specialist for special education human resources development, Division of Teacher Education and Licensure, at (804) 225-2047 or e-mail: pat.burgess@doe.virginia.gov. The attached 2008-2009 Virginia Incentive Program for Speech-Language Pathologists application can be faxed to Dr. Burgess at (804) 786-6759 or mailed to:

Dr. Patricia D. Burgess

Virginia Department of Education

Division of Teacher Education and Licensure

P. O. Box 2120

Richmond, VA 23218-2120

BKCJr/DC/PSP/pb

Attachment

a. VIP-SLP Application for 2008-2009 (Word)