Deaf or Hard of Hearing - Teaching Minor

The Deaf or Hard of Hearing Teaching minor prepares future educators to support and empower students with diverse communication needs in inclusive and specialized classroom settings. Through this minor, students gain foundational knowledge to work with learners who are deaf or hard of hearing – building skills in communication strategies, language development, and accessible instruction. Successful completion of the program qualifies students for recommendation of the Iowa Deaf or Hard of Hearing teaching endorsement (#266), enhancing their ability to make a meaningful impact in today’s classrooms.

To earn the endorsement, students must also complete all requirements for an Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Education major, along with student teaching (EDUC 4135) in both their primary area and the Deaf or Hard of Hearing endorsement area. Students who already hold a valid teaching license may instead complete the Practicum for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Teaching Students to meet this requirement. Those interested in the minor without pursuing the endorsement are encouraged to seek permission from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Department of Literacy, Early Childhood and Special Education.