If I’m being honest, I used to be someone who gravitated toward free speech therapy resources, overlooking the ones that came with a price tag. Working in the school system, feeling underpaid, and having a minimal (or nonexistent) spending budget often influenced my choices.

Over time, though, I started to shift my perspective. I realized there’s more to evaluating resources than whether they’re free. Quality matters, and the time, effort, and expertise that go into creating those resources deserve recognition.

When I began making my own speech therapy materials to sell on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT), I had a lightbulb moment: Wow, we deserve fair compensation for our work. It’s not just about creating the materials—it’s about researching, mastering digital tools, designing resources, posting them online, ensuring they are evidence-based, and marketing them effectively. All of that takes time, skill, and dedication. And let’s not forget that platforms like TpT take a percentage of your earnings, which makes every dollar count.

While I still love a great free resource now and then, I’ve come to appreciate and respect the SLPs who charge for their work, even when the price feels steep. They’re not just selling a product—they’re sharing the result of hours of effort, expertise, and creativity. And that’s worth paying for.

This conversation isn’t just about choosing between free and expensive therapy materials—it extends to how we approach earning our CEUs to maintain our licenses. It’s easy to gravitate toward free courses or rely heavily on budget-friendly platforms like SpeechPathology.com, which offers an annual subscription at a low cost. But there’s tremendous value in considering more expensive courses led by seasoned experts in our field.

These experts have invested their own time and money to gain the knowledge they share. They’ve gone through the rigorous process of designing CEU courses that meet ASHA’s standards, thoroughly researched evidence-based practices to inform their content, and taken the leap to present their work—whether in person or virtually. When you consider the hours spent on research, development, and delivery, it becomes clear that the cost of these courses reflects the effort and expertise behind them.

If we shift our perspective to recognize the value of their work, that seemingly high price tag might not feel so excessive.

That said, it’s important to thoughtfully evaluate where we get our information. Before clicking “purchase,” here are some questions to consider:

• Who is the person offering the training/materials? 

• Are they qualified?
• Where did they get their expertise?
• How long have they been practicing in that area?
• Is it evidence-based?
• Can you afford the cost? 
• Is the information provided state/person-specific? (Consider that legal documentation provided during training or offered for purchase may have been lawyer-approved for that individual’s practice- but not for your practice. Run these by your lawyer before using them.)

By answering these questions, you can make a more informed decision about whether a resource or course is worth your investment.

As SLPs, we know the importance of continuing education and having the right tools to support our work. While free or low-cost options have their place, it’s essential to recognize and value the expertise, time, and effort that go into creating high-quality resources and CEU courses.

When we choose to invest in ourselves and our profession, we’re not just purchasing a product or course—we’re also supporting the growth of our field and ensuring we’re equipped to provide the best possible care to those we serve. 

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, we invite you to join us for our School Contract Training on January 25, 2025, co-presented by Melissa Jakubowitz and Adrienne Wallace. This interactive training will provide the tools and knowledge you need to successfully contract directly with schools, empowering you to grow your business and make a meaningful impact in the field.

Click here to learn more and register today!

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait—secure your spot now to start the new year with a plan for success!