Hello, Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) members! I hope this publication of the Communicologistfinds you well and doing great things in our fields. It is a great time to be a TSHA member as we start the countdown to our 70^th birthday. A quote by William Arthur Ward that I have always loved says something along the lines of “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” I am extremely grateful to work alongside such amazing volunteers that make up the committees under the Professional Services umbrella in TSHA. That gratitude only grows as I survey the incredible work they have done in service of our TSHA members this year thus far. I want to express that gratitude to the masses, because I do love to give presents, and these committees are the gift that keeps on giving for our organization.

In 2026, Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) members will elect a President-Elect, Vice President for Audiology, Vice President for Member Engagement, and Vice President for Professional Services.

Each year, the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Annual Convention stands as the largest gathering of speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and students in the state. For attendees, the TSHA Convention experience feels seamless. Sessions flow smoothly with inspiring content, exhibitors are ready to greet attendees, students connect with mentors, and colleagues from across Texas reunite. What many attendees don’t see is the extensive and detailed planning that begins a year before anyone steps foot into the convention center.

I am a proud alumnus of the TSHA Leadership Academy (TLA) and would like to share with you that TSHA wants you. We’re here to grow your leadership skills whether you are new to a leadership role or you have been leading for years in some capacity. There is always room to grow your skill sets, gain more insight on leadership, and develop yourself into the leader you desire to be. Growth never stops, so we want to grow alongside you. 

Wouldn’t one of these look great on your shelf?

Continuing education is one of the cornerstones of our professions. Whether advancing clinical skills, exploring new areas of practice, or staying current with licensure and certification requirements, earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) is an essential part of the professional journey, and the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) is committed to making this process both accessible and rewarding.

Eight practical strategies to ensure assessment methods are equitable, individualized, and reflective of a client's unique cultural and communicative context.

Preceptors in our fields of speech-language pathology and audiology are an essential part of the education experience. Individuals coming into our professions are counting on preceptors to help complete their education process. To become a preceptor, there are some guidelines by our national organization and by the state licensing board; however, these are the minimal guidelines. Being a preceptor entails having experience, professionalism, and the desire to give back to the professions. This is a volunteer effort on the preceptor’s part; therefore, this article dives into an exploration of preceptor motivation, preceptor experiences, and preceptor successes through an informal survey and analysis of findings through salient themes. Current preceptor guidelines will be defined, current literature will be explored, and salient themes from the informal survey will be shared.

As my time as a Graduate Student Representative (GSR) for the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) comes to a close, I have been reflecting on what serving in this position has done for my budding career as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The connections I have built and the knowledge I have gained as a result have been incalculably valuable, and I feel that I have received far more than I have given. My trajectory as an SLP has truly been altered for the better because I was able to be a GSR. 

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) is dedicated to empowering aspiring professionals as they begin their careers in speech-language pathology and audiology. At the heart of this goal lies the TSHA Graduate Student Representative (GSR) position. TSHA GSRs serve as student voices on TSHA's Executive Board, amplifying student needs and ideas, collaborating on new initiatives to best serve students, and connecting with fellow graduate students all across Texas.

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (TSHF) awards! More than $69,203 was awarded to 37 students and professionals. This was made possible by the generosity of donors. Thank you to everyone who provided a one-time contribution and to those who continue to support the Foundation with monthly recurring donations. 

The Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (TSHF) proudly recognizes professionals and students whose service makes a lasting impact on our communities and our professions. This year’s awardees exemplify excellence, leadership, and dedication.

Cafe TSHA is an initiative of the TSHA Publications Board. Levity Lounge is a walk on the lighter side. Tips for Tx offers clever hacks to up your therapy game. Tech Bytes covers new and noteworthy technology finds. Student Swap provides student-focused ideas and inspiration. Wellness Corner emphasizes self-care for service providers. We encourage you to submit your ideas to publications@txsha.org for consideration for publication in future issues.