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Morton helps students find their voice
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Showing a bit of her humor, Stadium Drive's new speech pathologist Tracy Morton did some flexing in front of a board that shares that speech is power.
By SARAH FOOR
Stadium Drive’s new speech pathology teacher Tracy Morton doesn’t lose her voice very often, but when she does, it is a surprisingly good thing.
“In my sessions with students, I’m actually not supposed to be doing most of the talking. Of course, I’m not planning on getting sick, but when I lost my voice at my last job, it really pushed my students to work through some challenges because I really couldn’t help. It was a very surprising day,” Morton said with a laugh.
At school, Morton loves to see her students gain independence by mastering their articulation, fluency, phonological awareness and communication skills.
In Morton’s own life, the Austintown native values independence but also loves having the support of her family. After attending YSU for her bachelor’s degree and Kent State for her master’s in speech pathology, Morton moved to Newark, Ohio, for three years until recently heading back home.
With the support system of her family in place, Morton has taken to her new position at Stadium Drive with enthusiasm. She works hard with her students to master grammar, figurative meanings, increasing vocabulary and adds fun with applications for work and play on the school-provided iPad.
“Many apps provide what I teach, but it adds visual interest, feedback and reinforcement. The visuals are so enagaging that they get the kids really excited to get it right. Sometimes, when we’re having a tough session, there are games that can give the kids a nice mental break,” said Morton.
In her first year, Morton hopes all her students will graduate from their sessions and master language.
“I want my kids to be able to get their wants and needs across and communicate clearly, and have no worries that speech will interfere with their ability to succeed. I’m looking forward to seeing them thrive,” she said.