Special Education: Specialist in D/deaf and Hard of Hearing

At Illinois State University, Specialists in D/deaf and Hard of Hearing are prepared to teach students ages 3-21 in public, private, and residential programs, taking courses in language, literacy, speech pathology, audiology, and sign language. Our program is the only one in the midwest to offer this specialty. We are known for our high quality clinical experiences, the individual attention we pay each student, and the unique opportunities ISU offers teacher candidates in this field.

Licensure and Endorsements Earned:

Specialist in D/deaf and Hard of Hearing, PreK-21

Program Features

• Ranked by College Factual as the number one school for special education in Illinois
• One of the top five producers of certified DHH teachers in the United States and the only program in the midwest
• A job market currently experiencing a shortage of teachers
• Opportunities available for Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver
• More than 250 hours of clinical experiences in PreK through high school placements including our University Laboratory Schools on campus
• Opportunities to work with students who utilize a variety of assistive technology devices, including cochlear implants, digital hearing aids, sound-field devices, and FM systems
• Instruction in all languages and communication modes used by students with hearing loss, including American Sign Language, Signed English Systems, Listening and Spoken Language, Cued Speech, and Total Communication
• Partnerships with a variety of public, private, and residential schools across the state and nation
• High-quality clinical and student teaching experiences including the multi-state network of residential schools for the D/deaf
• Service opportunities through multiple registered student organizations, including D/deaf Redbirds (DRA), which signs the national anthem at the homecoming football game and sponsors a D/deaf Awareness Week
• Option to add bilingual and/or ESL endorsements to this program