<Faculty of Education

Teacher Preparation Program in the Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

The York University Faculty of Education teacher preparation Program in the Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students prepares teachers to work in a variety of educational programs and across the full range of communication/modality options. The program provides the broadest possible base for candidates to learn about the field, and to make decisions about future areas of specialization.

The program requires full-time study for one academic year, as well as a two-week summer orientation session. In addition, a limited number of applicants are accepted each year to a three-year, part-time program.

Program course work deals with areas pertinent to deaf and hard of hearing education. These areas include: introduction to working with deaf and hard of hearing students; language and literacy development; curriculum and instructional methods; deaf and hard of hearing studies; bilingual/bicultural education; American Sign Language; audiology; speech; and principles of auditory/verbal learning. Candidates also participate in two practicum placements in two different settings over a two month period.

Candidates are considered for admission on the basis of education-related experience, academic achievement, communication abilities and personal characteristics relevant to teaching in the field. Requirements include:

• an undergraduate degree;
• membership in the Ontario College of Teachers or eligibility for membership in the case of out-of-province applicants (usually a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or its equivalent);
• BEd with minimum 6.0 (B) average*;
• two courses in American Sign Language*.

* Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered.

When the program is successfully completed, candidates receive a York Diploma in the Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students. Graduates of the program who hold membership in the Ontario College of Teachers are recommended to the college for Part I and II "Additional Qualification in Deaf Education". Part III (Specialist) is awarded by the college after successful completion of two years of teaching, including one year with deaf and hard of hearing students.

Currently, for eligible Ontario candidates, no tuition fees are charged for the program. Applications are normally due in mid-February for full-time applicants and mid-March for part-time applicants.

For further information, please call the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Office at 416-736-5971 or TTY 416-736-5972.