Bartlett City Schools: A Longstanding Partner in Shaping the Next Generation of School-Based SLPs
by: Lacey Halley
For nearly two decades, Bartlett City Schools (BCS) has been a cornerstone in the clinical education of University of Memphis speech-language pathology students. Known for its strong mentorship, collaborative culture, and exceptional commitment to professional growth, BCS continues to be a sought-after placement for graduate clinicians and clinical fellows (CFs) preparing for school-based practice.
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Dr. Andrea Moore, MA ’06, an alumna of the University of Memphis and Exceptional Children Specialist at Bartlett City Schools, has been instrumental in fostering this partnership. After earning her master’s degree from the UofM and later a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Moore began her career in the district and has remained dedicated to serving Bartlett families ever since. “From the moment I graduated, I’ve always been in Bartlett, and this is where I plan to retire,” she said. “This is where my heart is.” Moore shared that the district’s caseloads reflect national trends, with increasing numbers of students with autism and cognitive-communication disorders, alongside more traditional articulation and fluency needs. What truly distinguishes Bartlett, she emphasized, is its holistic approach to supporting both students and clinicians. “We begin every referral as a team—teachers, parents, administrators, ensuring everyone understands the academic impact of communication,” Moore explained. “Our SLPs are not ‘speech teachers’; they are speech-language pathologists who play an essential role in the whole child’s success.” |
Dr. Andrea Moore, Exceptional Children Specialist, Bartlett City Schools |
Bartlett’s SLP team brings diverse expertise in early intervention, AAC, fluency, and literacy and supports continued professional growth through structured development opportunities. The district is an ASHA Continuing Education (CE) provider, offering up to ten CE hours annually for staff. “We make sure our clinicians get what they need to grow while feeling supported,” said Moore. “Even our CFs are never left alone. We sit with them in IEP meetings, review documentation together, and provide specialized trainings to ensure they feel confident.”
From Student to Clinician: UofM Graduates Launch Their Careers in Bartlett
Jessica White, MA ’23, a recent University of Memphis graduate, began her clinical fellowship in Bartlett this year and credits the district’s mentorship model for making her transition into the profession both smooth and rewarding.
“The most eye-opening thing has been realizing how much our role as school SLPs extends beyond the therapy room,” White shared. “Collaboration with teachers and specialists is crucial to meeting the needs of the whole child. The supervision and mentorship here are amazing, Dr. Moore and my CF supervisor, Beth Vickers, have supported me through every IEP meeting and truly helped me grow with confidence.”
Courtnie Eaton, MA ’23, another UofM alumna now working as a full-time SLP in Bartlett, said the district’s supportive environment and commitment to professional balance make it an ideal place to begin a career.
“Throughout graduate school, working in the schools was always one of my top interests, especially given the unique schedule that allows for a strong work–life balance,” Eaton explained. “After Dr. Moore gave a presentation to our cohort, I reached out and later shadowed her. Seeing the supportive environment and commitment to student growth confirmed that Bartlett would be my first choice for a CF placement.”
Eaton’s caseload includes students with a range of receptive and expressive language needs, articulation and phonological disorders, and autism. She says collaboration and communication are key.
“I work closely with teachers to align speech and language goals with classroom instruction and share strategies for supporting communication in daily lessons,” she said. “Families are essential partners, and I make sure to communicate regularly through meetings, progress notes, or informal check-ins.”
What sets Bartlett apart, Eaton added, is its practical support for clinicians.
“Our special education clericals handle scheduling, paperwork, and documentation so we can spend more time in therapy and collaboration,” she explained. “Bartlett also offers free CEU courses, pays for outside seminars, and gives us access to resources like Lesson Pix, AAC Library, Magic School, and Ultimate SLP. We even have a comprehensive speech-language handbook designed to help clinicians transition smoothly from graduate school into the school setting.”
A Partnership Built on Excellence
With low turnover, high satisfaction, and a culture of mutual support, Bartlett City Schools exemplifies what strong community partnerships can achieve.
“Half of our SLPs are University of Memphis graduates, and many of our newest clinicians come from Memphis, too,” Moore reflected. “That connection means a lot, it shows how well-prepared our graduates are and how much they thrive when they join a district that truly values them.”
