Bachelor's in Interpreting, Deaf Education, and Advocacy Services - K-12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Licensure

A teacher with NC licensure in K-12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing is eligible to work in various educational settings including schools for the deaf, self-contained and resource rooms in public schools, and as an itinerant teacher (visiting various schools/programs throughout the day). Students will be deaf or hard of hearing and of kindergarten to high school (K-12) age.

Yes. Because licensure from North Carolina does not specify by language or communication, graduates must be prepared to teach those students who are deaf and hard of hearing who use sign language as their primary mode of communication. Thus, the program requires that students have a good proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) and knowledge of other manual communication systems before student teaching. Our sign language courses are designed to help you meet this requirement.

A teacher with NC licensure in K-12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing is eligible to work with students who are deaf or hard of hearing from kindergarten to grade 12. These children and youth may use American Sign Language, spoken language and listening, a manually coded English sign system, and/or Cued Speech to communicate. They may use assistive listening devices like cochlear implants, hearing aids, or FM systems, or nothing at all. They may or may not have disabilities and/or special needs.

The responsibilities of a teacher for students who are deaf and hard of hearing vary depending on the setting and the needs of each child/youth with whom the teacher works. Subject areas can include language, literacy, and/or one or more content areas (math, science, social studies, etc.), in either a direct instruction format or as support for students in general education classes.

There are several reasons that make UNCG’s K-12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Licensure (DHH) program special:

• UNCG’s DHH program is proud to reside in “one of the most diverse institutions in the state – approximately 50% of students are people of color. Additionally, 31% of students are first-generation college students, and half of UNCG students are Pell Grant eligible.”
• UNCG’s DHH program is the only preparation program in NC for those wanting to teach students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program’s graduates are eligible for a NC state license in K-12 Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Currently there is a shortage of qualified licensed teachers for the deaf in NC and across the U.S.
• UNCG’s DHH program has a strong, renowned faculty of both Deaf and hearing professionals, all of whom are bilingual (American Sign Language and English) and are committed to students’ success. 
• UNCG’s DHH program involves students with the Deaf community through various courses, practicum, and social activities.
• UNCG’s DHH program is part of the IDEAS major which includes Interpreter Preparation and Advocacy and Services for the Deaf, thus providing a large peer network focusing on the unique educational and community needs of those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

An overwhelming number (over 90%) of UNCG’s DHH program graduates have accepted teaching positions within North Carolina and across the United States, many having offers before completing their student teaching. Other graduates from UNCG’s DHH program have continued their education in pursuit of a related master’s degree.