Speech Language Pathologist Celebrates 50+ Years of Learning

Sharon Saferstein, speech language pathologist at Cooper Middle School, is originally from Akron, Ohio. She came to the Washington, D.C., area for education, and stayed for education. She earned her graduate degree from George Washington University and her doctorate — an achievement she is immensely proud of — from Howard University. 

After finishing up grad school, Sharon was interviewing for speech language pathology (SLP) positions in August 1972. She was trying to get to her interview with FCPS, but because of the widespread impact of Hurricane Agnes she was late. The hurricane had caused devastating flooding, damage to water treatment facilities, the destruction of the 123 bridge in Occoquan, and the collapse of the Lake Barcroft Dam.

When she finally got to the central office, which had closed because of the weather, her interviewer simply said, “You’re hired!” 

In 2006, after 34 years of working full time — 23 of them at Camelot Elementary School and Camelot Center — Sharon retired and worked part time for a neighboring county. When she was contacted by FCPS a couple of years later about a part time position, she came back. And “I can’t seem to leave!” she laughed. 

When asked what has changed the most in her time with FCPS, Sharon quickly answered, “Traffic!” Then she followed up by saying, the diversity in the student population.

One of Sharon’s students’ parents remarked, “She has truly been instrumental in my son’s progress and his overall acceptance and ease of being understood at school. This has helped to build his confidence and will continue to set him up for success.” Another shared that she is “a wonderful blend of speech expert and student specialist with a valuable and excellent  approach to her work. Dr. Saferstein is worth her weight in gold and a wonderful resource.”  

Sharon was attracted to working for FCPS and has stayed with the county for so many years because of the “excellent communication disorders program.” She enjoys working with the dedicated and exceptional speech language pathologists and the many outstanding educators she has encountered over the years.

Sharon is described as “a joy to work with” by Beth Johnson, communication disorders supervisor. “Students are at the heart of her work and are the ‘why’ behind her passion for helping to shape effective communicators. Her expertise, positivity, and collaborative relationships shine in all that she does!”

She has enjoyed the ability to always be learning. Sharon’s favorite parts of her position are working with her students, observing their progress, and learning from them. 

“They are my best teachers,” she said.