Our Philosophy

In order for deaf and hard of hearing children to reach their full potential, they require flexible programs which support the development of self-esteem, as well as communication, literacy, academic, and social skills.  It is the role of Hearing Resource Teacher to support the children, their families, and those working with them to ensure development in these areas.

A student considered to be deaf or hard of hearing is one who has a medically diagnosed hearing loss.   As a result, the student may present unique educational needs that require direct services on a regular and frequent basis by a qualified Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

School District No 22 has two Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  The teachers serve in an itinerant role and provide direct, as well as consultative service to schools, students, teachers and parents.  When required, students may be provided with a teacher assistant or sign language interpreter. This is determined by individual student needs and their means of communicating.

In 2004, the District launched a Hearing Program at BX Elementary School.  Students with hearing loss from around the District may attend BX Elementary School where students are integrated into regular classrooms and benefit from daily instruction by a Hearing Resource Teacher.  The school is equipped with the appropriate technology and services to meet the needs of students with any degree of hearing loss.

Role of the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The responsibilities of the itinerant teacher are multi-faceted in nature. They may include class
assessment, evaluation and individual work in the classroom or individual group setting.  The itinerant teacher is part of the IEP development team.

To support the goals of the IEP the itinerant teacher may work with the student on:

• support in the care, use and management of assistive listening devices (ALDS),
• the teaching of auditory skills,
• speech development,
• speech reading,
• English language development,
• cognitive development,
• academic skill building strategies,
• social and/or emotional development,
• facilitate home-school communication,
• career and personal planning,
• coordinate the services of community professionals.

The itinerant teacher is a resource to the classroom teacher, the interpreter, Certified Education
Assistants, and the student, ensuring that the working arrangement in the classroom is efficient and effective.