Supervision Representative
Janice Wright, M.A.

I would like to once again thank you for this opportunity to serve as your Supervision Practice Representative for the next three years.  I am looking forward to this chance to continue the outstanding work of the previous representatives. I have been a licensed speech-language pathologist for over 25 years, working in a variety of settings in the Cleveland area.  Nine years ago I had the opportunity to relocate to Athens, Ohio for a position at Ohio University.  My current position as a clinical supervisor/instructor at the university allows for interaction with undergraduate students through the pre-professionals classes as well as training graduate students through the clinical methods classes.  Developing the syllabi for these courses is ever-changing as our profession has evolved and developed over the years.  

On a personal level, I have two adult children and recently acquired 4 more adult children along with 10 grandchildren when I remarried in 2005.  My husband spends his free time as a DJ, bringing a message of “Drug Free Fun” to schools and community events around southeastern Ohio and West Virginia.  As a roadie, for “Rockin Reggie”, I have been provided with fascinating views of a variety of cultures.  I have been toying with the idea of a blog entitled “Views from the DJ Table” but in the meantime I can bring the stories of my interactions to my students when I talk about issues of cultural competence in the field of communication disorders.   

The area of cultural competence is one of my passions.  I believe that developing cultural competence is an important area for students and supervisors to address on an ongoing basis.  My other professional passions include infant/toddler feeding and the area of clinical supervision.  Teaching has become a passion over the past few years, it is exciting to see a new group of professionals grow and develop during their graduate training.   

My goal as your representative is to provide information to supervisors and those interested in the area of supervision.  OSLHA’s Legislative Council has outlined several objectives that are specifically related to the area of supervision.  I am requesting your help in achieving these objectives.  First, I would like to compile a list of resources in the area of supervision.  If you have read or are using a specific book or article, please provide me with the reference.  Second, it has been requested that a list of supervisors who would be interested in answering questions about supervision be developed.  If you are interested in being on this list please contact me so that I can begin to compile a working directory.  Last but not least, the Supervision Caucus will take place at the OSLHA convention in March.  I would like to develop an agenda that will address your issues and concerns.  Send your questions, comments or ideas of what you would like to see addressed during the caucus to me at wrightj2@ohio.edu or 740-593-9474.

Thank you in advance for your help in achieving the objectives developed by the Legislative Council.  I am looking forward to talking with you about the area of supervision.  In the meantime, if you happen to be at  “Rockin Reggie” dance, stop by the DJ table and make a request. 

__________________

Supervision Caucus
OSLHA 2008 Convention

 

“ Oh, the weather outside is frightful”.  I do not know why the line from that song keeps playing in my head as I think about the 2008 convention.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the convention program committee, the OSHLA office staff and volunteers under the leadership of Nancy Bailey for the outstanding job they did during the convention.  These individuals truly demonstrated the term “grace under fire’ as they dealt with the changes in the convention schedule, the questions about travel and the other incidentals that always occur during a convention but were intensified because of the weather.  My hat goes off to all of you for a job well done. 

The Supervisory Caucus was well attended in spite of the weather.    The agenda entailed a short self-exploration quiz on supervisory style.   The quiz was developed after I completed the SpeechPathology.com online course by Lisa O’Connor on supervision.  In this course Ms. O’Connor discusses the differences between a Shark supervisor, a Guppy supervisor and a Dolphin supervisor.   The quiz was not an in-depth study of supervisory style but a fun way to think about how we as supervisors may sometimes react to a supervisee or are viewed by a supervisee.  It was suggested that Ms. O’Connor be invited to the 2009 OSHLA Convention to present on supervision. 

The floor was then opened for general comments and concerns.  A question about the development and implementation of student development plans was asked.  The question concerned the issue of how many plans should be developed before a student is counseled out of a program.  The group heard a variety of suggestions and comments from clinical programs from around the state.  While a definitive answer was not developed, it is a topic that will be re-visited. 

Finally, a questionnaire was distributed.  The questionnaire asked if anyone would be interested in writing an article for Communication Matters for the next year.  It also asked if anyone would be interested in becoming a contact person for individuals new to supervision.  I will send the form via the listserv so that those who were unable to attend the caucus can complete the form. 

In conclusion, as the song states, “let it snow…” .  The caucus provided an opportunity for supervisors from around the state to successfully network.  Planning is underway for the 2009 Convention, so if there are any suggestions for speakers or topics concerning supervision please email me.