This program is open to any person that holds a valid Kansas teaching license in regular education, special education and/or content area endorsement. Selected applicants will be enrolled in a pre-approved university program in Deaf Education (Master’s level) to receive an endorsement as a Teacher of the Deaf (TOD). Most, or all, coursework required will be conducted via online and distance learning technologies. Candidates do not need to be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) to enter this program. However, students will be required to take ASL courses and pass a competency screening prior to graduation and being granted an endorsement as a TOD. Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) will provide additional support to assist the student to successful completion of the TOD program including immersion programs and participation in state, regional, and national professional development.
The Kansas School for the Deaf and Kansas Department of Education have partnered to provide currently licensed teachers an opportunity to study Deaf Education through the Technical Assistance System Network (TASN). This grant will help fund a person to obtain their endorsement as a teacher of the deaf (TOD) in the state of Kansas and provide mentoring for up to three years.
The Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) will provide additional coursework, field experience, and mentor teachers to assist the participant throughout the program. Students will potentially spend one to two weeks at KSD during the summer months for this intensive training and applied pedagogy opportunities. The grant provides funding for university classes, fees, textbooks, supplies, and travel. This funding might be full or partial reimbursement depending on available funds in the program. All candidates will be kept updated as to reimbursement status. Some activities will be open to team members from the candidate’s local school district in order to promote comprehensive, cross-discipline supports for students who are deaf/hard of hearing.
In addition, the participants will be supported to attend state, regional, and national conferences. This allows TODs to become familiar with evidence-based best practices, latest research in the field of deaf education, and instructional strategies that will build content and knowledge of pedagogy specific for students who are deaf/hard of hearing. Most (or all) expenses will be covered for selected conferences depending on available funds in the program.
Joan Macy, Director
Valerie Watson, Administrative Assistant
Kansas School for the Deaf
450 E. Park
Olathe, KS 66061
(913) 210-8149