In this episode, we break down one of the most overlooked opportunities in school contracting: the January Contract — the mid-year surge in staffing and service needs across public and private schools.

Elise shares why this window exists, what school leaders are experiencing behind the scenes, and how contractors can position themselves to step in with confidence. From staffing shortages and budget resets to shifts in caseloads and compensatory services, January is a uniquely high-need, low-competition period.

You’ll learn how to communicate proactively, what pain points to address in outreach, and how to offer solutions schools actually want this time of year. Elise also explains why these short-term January roles often become long-term, relationship-building opportunities.

Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to expand in 2025–2026, this episode will help you take advantage of a powerful — and often untapped — revenue window.

• January is one of the best times of year to secure school contracts.
• Schools re-evaluate staffing mid-year and often discover unexpected service gaps.
• Flexibility in service models increases during this period.
• Proactive outreach positions you ahead of other contractors.
• Understanding school pain points (service gaps, missed minutes, scheduling changes) boosts your sales conversations.
• Private schools also experience a January reset and seek additional support.
• Short-term January placements frequently turn into multi-year relationships.
• Competition is lower because most providers assume hiring happens only in August.
• Offering solutions → not sales pitches → builds trust.
• Approaching schools with a helpful mindset sets you apart

Resources:

The Therapist Support Network Resources: https://www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com/

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

Legal Disclaimer:

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this episode, Elise Mitchell interviews Ellie Richter, a bilingual speech therapist who has transitioned into the virtual space of speech therapy. They discuss the evolution of teletherapy, the challenges and rewards of direct contracting, and the mindset shifts necessary for business ownership. Ellie shares her experiences with client relationships, pricing strategies, and the importance of flexibility in service delivery. The conversation highlights the significance of virtual therapy as a valuable tool in the field and encourages professionals to embrace their worth and advocate for themselves in their careers.

Takeaways

Ellie Richter is a bilingual speech therapist with 16 years of experience.

She transitioned to virtual speech therapy to educate others in the field.

Direct contracting allows therapists to set their own rates and work with schools directly.

Mindset shifts are crucial when moving from employee to business owner.

Setting a sustainable rate is essential for financial stability.

It's important to be intentional about client relationships and contracts.

Virtual therapy can be a valuable tool for both therapists and clients.

Flexibility in service delivery can enhance the effectiveness of therapy.

Past experiences shape current business decisions and strategies.

Advocating for oneself is key to success in the therapy profession.

Resources:

The Therapist Support Network School Contracting Checklist: https://thetsn.myflodesk.com/checklist

The Essential Teletherapist: https://www.instagram.com/theessentialteletherapist/

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.

In this engaging podcast episode, Elise Mitchell interviews Hallie Sherman, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who shares her journey and insights into working with older students in the field of speech therapy. Hallie discusses the benefits of working with this age group, including fewer initial evaluations and the ability to create meaningful connections. They explore the challenges and strategies for engaging older students, the importance of transitioning from employee to business owner, and the resources available for SLPs looking to expand their skills. Hallie's upcoming book, 'The Secondary SLP Roadmap,' is also highlighted as a valuable resource for those in the field.

Hallie Sherman is the SLP behind Speech Time Fun, sharing practical ideas for SLPs.

Working with older students can be rewarding and impactful.

There are fewer initial evaluations with older students.

Engaging older students requires understanding their interests and goals.

Connection is more important than data collection in therapy.

Transitioning from employee to business owner requires confidence and action.

Using others' success as inspiration can motivate your own journey.

Creating a safe environment is crucial for student engagement.

Incorporating real-life goals into therapy makes it more relevant for students.

Resources like Hallie's blog and upcoming book can help SLPs in their practice.

speechtimefun.com

slpelevate.com

instagram.com/speechtimefun

speechtimefun.com/preorder

https://www.instagram.com/thetherapistsupportnetwork/

www.thetherapistsupportnetwork.com

Financial Disclosure:

"Beyond the Big Agencies" is brought to you by The Therapist Support Network. Some topics discussed may reference products, services, or resources offered by The Therapist Support Network. This episode may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you

The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances before making any business decisions.