I recently came across an article written in the NY Times about a student, Philip Garber Jr., and his experience with a particular college professor at the County College of Morris.  The article, Professor's Response to a Stutterer-Dont Speak, highlights how Garber was asked to hold questions for the beginning and end of class so he "does not infringe on other students' time."   He was also asked to respond to questions on paper, rather than raise his hand like the rest of the students.  He advocated for himself to the dean and was transferred to another class, where he is now able to speak freely. 

Although this is quite an extreme situation and there are many wonderful teachers that are very sensitive to the needs of students who stutter, this article still brings up the importance of educating teachers on stuttering.  Like parents, teachers are often trying their very best, but quite simply may not be aware that some things they are saying or doing are, in fact, not helping at all. 

Here are some tips for teachers: 

Whether or not you are a person who stutters, making and receiving telephone calls can be a source of anxiety.  Whoever invented text messages definitely had people who stutter in mind.  However, has text messages and social media sites helped us communicate more effortlessly, or have they created a way to put off the inevitable and therefore build up more tension around the idea of using the phone?

It's time to look Alexander Graham Bell in the eye (well, figuratively), and pick up that phone. 

1.  Practice, practice, practice!  Call restaurants and ask them their hours.  Call retail stores and ask them if they have a particular thing in stock.  Call when you know someone you're comfortable with is not available so you can practice leaving voicemails.  Call numbers that have voice activated systems and don't cheat and use the keypad option!  The more you practice for the sake of practicing, the less stressful it will be when you actually have to make a phone call because you will know what to expect.