Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
What is the Role of a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing?
A deaf and hard of hearing teacher is a special education teacher specifically trained to teach students who are deaf and hard of hearing and address their unique language and learning needs. Teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) are experts in teaching various skills such as self-advocacy, expressive and receptive language, hearing assistive technology, vocabulary, listening, and transition skills. In addition, they design and implement instructional plans individualized to each student's needs.
Teachers of D/HH students may work in self-contained classrooms, at specialized schools for the deaf, and as traveling teachers within several school districts. A teacher that travels between school districts visiting multiple students with hearing loss is called an itinerant teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing or hearing itinerant teacher.
An itinerant teacher of the D/HH works closely with each student, their parents/guardians, and staff to ensure each child has appropriate access and services within the classroom. They consult with parents, staff, and other professionals regarding each student's educational needs. In addition, they monitor student hearing assistive technology (such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices (FM/DM), etc.) and provide training to staff that works with their students.
The ELC utilizes an itinerant model to provide services for students with hearing loss within the districts it serves.