Written by Yazel Tuncer, SLP
With a new school year beginning, teachers are preparing for long hours of talking and constant vocal projection across busy classrooms. That daily demand takes a toll on the voice. A 2025 systemic review highlights that 54.3% of teachers are diagnosed with a voice disorder at some point in their careers (Baghban K et al., 2025).
Understanding Voice Disorders
A voice disorder can disrupt both professional and personal life. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Hoarseness or roughness in the sound of the voice
- Vocal fatigue – feeling like talking takes too much effort, especially by the end of the day
- Struggling with projection or being unable to speak loudly without pain
- Physical tension or tightness in the throat and neck muscles while speaking
Vocal Hygiene Tips for the Back-to-School Season
To keep your voice strong, healthy, and resilient as the new school year begins, try incorporating these general vocal hygiene practices into your daily routine:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water lubricates your vocal cords directly and keeps the surrounding tissues healthy. Keep a water bottle handy at your desk.
- Take Strategic Voice Breaks: Give your vocal cords intermittent rest periods. Build quiet times into your lesson plans or use non-verbal cues and signals when possible.
- Use Amplification: Consider using a portable classroom microphone or voice amplifier to prevent you from straining or shouting over noise.
- Avoid Vocal Abuse: Refrain from whispering loudly, yelling across the playground or gym, or clearing your throat excessively (try taking a sip of water or swallowing hard instead).
How a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) Can Help
An SLP can help educators by:
- Providing targeted voice therapy to release muscle tension and improve vocal efficiency
- Teaching safe projection techniques that protect the vocal cords
- Making customized classroom accommodations and environmental recommendations
For an individualized therapy plan tailored to your specific vocal needs, schedule an assessment with a registered Speech-Language Pathologist.
Reference:
Baghban, K., Golmohamadi, G., & Asadollahpour, F. (2025). The worldwide prevalence of voice disorders among schoolteachers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Voice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2025.04.018