Vision and Mission Statements
Deaf Education Vision
For teachers of Deaf and hard-of-hearing students to embrace an in-depth understanding of a bilingual philosophy; to promote literacy and access to world knowledge; to incorporate cultural and historical perspectives that value diversity; to explore current research trends in the field; and to create opportunities for the success of all children.
Deaf Education Pedagogical Mission
To prepare knowledgeable and competent teachers who challenge and empower students by creating meaningful and rewarding learning experiences; who have a lifelong enthusiasm for learning; who are reflective practitioners open to new ideas and challenges, and who search for ways to improve instruction for Deaf students.
Deaf Education Linguistic Mission
To prepare teachers who strive for excellence in both ASL and English; who provide their students with support for improvement in both languages; who develop an appreciation and respect for bilingual fluency; who create a linguistically rich learning environment; and who share the beauty of both languages.
Deaf Education Cultural Mission
To prepare teachers who value the importance of Deaf culture and integrate it into their teaching; who appreciate the unique contributions of Deaf and hearing teachers serving as role models for all students; and who develop sensitivity and respect for the individual differences among children and adults.
Graduates are prepared to teach Deaf students at either the elementary or secondary level and are employed throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries. The Deaf Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and is approved by the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
An extension of the elementary and secondary specializations is the ASL Specialist strand. This curriculum prepares its graduates to serve two distinct populations – Deaf students whose first language is ASL as well as deaf and hearing individuals who are learning ASL as a second language. A Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an ASL concentration is available.
Another extension of the elementary and secondary specializations is the Literacy Specialist strand. Literacy specialists will be prepared to work with Deaf and hard-of-hearing students to develop reading and writing competence. Candidates who complete this strand will be eligible for certification as Reading Specialists.
Currently, there are approximately 100 graduate candidates in the Deaf Education program from across the United States, Canada, and other foreign countries, the majority of whom are Deaf and fluent users of American Sign Language. Courses are taught by full-time faculty as well as adjunct instructors and researchers in the field who are able to incorporate their professional experience and current practices into their course content. Classes are taught in ASL by Deaf and hearing faculty. Candidates intern in bilingual programs across the United States and Canada.
The Deaf Education program accepts full-time and part-time candidates who enroll in classes during the academic year. In addition, a large number of candidates who work full time throughout the academic year choose the ‘summers only’ option. All courses are offered during the 6-8 week summer sessions that run from late June to early August.
Program Options
ELEMENTARY: Prepares classroom teachers for elementary and middle school Deaf students. Candidates are eligible for the M.S. degree in Deaf Education and Maryland State Certification in Special Education Generic/Hearing Impaired PreK-12.
SECONDARY: Prepares classroom teachers for middle and high school Deaf students. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in English, Science, History, Mathematics, P.E., or Art and are eligible for the M.S. degree in Deaf Education and Maryland State Certification in Special Education Generic/Hearing Impaired PreK-12.
ASL SPECIALIST: Prepares ASL Specialists to work with Deaf students learning ASL as their first language, with hearing (and some deaf ) students learning ASL as a second language.
LITERACY SPECIALIST: Prepares literacy specialists to work with Deaf and hard-of-hearing students to develop reading and writing competence. Candidates must have a Master’s degree and certification in Deaf Education and upon completion will be eligible for Maryland State Certification as Reading Specialist.
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