I graduated from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Education program in 2013. I did the program full time and made the most amazing friends during our 8 month program. Many of the friends I made in the program are still deaf/hard of hearing teachers today. We still are in contact and will share knowledge, information, and expertise amongst each other.
I currently work as a Specialist Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing in Toronto. I have taught every age of students from preschool to grade 12 in my years since graduating from the program. Some of my favourite aspects of the job are how different it can be every day, especially as an itinerant teacher. It can be fun to travel between schools (most days - snowy winters can be tough) and work with different communities, staff, and students. I love getting to connect with families and community members, like audiologist or speech and language pathologists. In this role, I work with children and families to understand the effects of hearing loss on listening and learning at school and in other environments. I also help families understand that a diagnosis of hearing loss is not the end of the world. Though there may be some challenges, there are many strategies and accommodations to make their child's life better. I always try to emphasize all the positive things that come with having a hearing loss (like an extra teacher to advocate for you)!
In the years since I've joined, there have been changes in the technology the students use. In this field, you must stay up to date with new technologies. It has been neat to see how hearing aids and remote microphone (RM) systems have improved over the years. As well, in recent years, there has been much more focus put on mental health. I am proud to say that my department was ahead of its time in regard to this. There has always been a desire in our department to plan and create opportunities for children with hearing loss to connect with one another whether that was through field trips, play days, or through online clubs! It has been lovely connecting with students through extracurricular activities online this year, as this was something new that many of us took on because of the pandemic.
Recently, I had a few former students reach out to reconnect. It meant a lot to me to hear this older version of them saying that I made a difference and good impact on their life. I am proud of the work I have done in this field so far, and I look forward to continuing that work. I am thankful for the opportunities that the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Teacher Education Program has afforded me. I feel like I can make a difference every day at work.
Congratulations to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Education Program for 30 years! I hope I get to see another 30 more!