Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Founded in 1906, The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Teachers College is one of the oldest in the country, preparing candidates for work with DHH children in classrooms and clinical settings using diverse communication systems. Based on the belief that communication is a human right, our program prepares educators to partner with families in building a strong language foundation—whether spoken or signed—for children with a variety of hearing levels.

On March 7, 2025, federal officials cut $2.5 million in funding to support the DHH Teacher Preparation Program at Teachers College. This funding was essential to the success of DHH students, as TC DHH graduates are hired throughout NYC, the Northeast, and across the country. More than 80 percent of this funding supported TC students directly through tuition scholarships and stipends. Without this funding, we will not be able to recruit and prepare candidates as we have been. DHH children and their families will continue to wait for the specialized support they deserve.

“Graduates of Teachers College stand out in our field as well-rounded educators. Through our comprehensive training, we are prepared to work in a variety of roles in a field that requires a wide range of skills and knowledge to address the needs of our population. During a critical time when so many educators are leaving the field, my fellow TC alumni are still out there doing the work.” 

Emily Parr (EdM ’12), teacher of deaf students in Florida. 

 “These grants make the profession accessible to people who want to serve, but simply can’t afford to without help. Cutting this funding won’t just hurt aspiring teachers. It will hurt generations of DHH students who deserve qualified educators, tailored instruction and the dignity of real communication. This isn’t just about a budget line. It’s about the children and their future. And they should always be the priority.” 

Isabelle Terpening (MA ‘25), teacher of deaf students in Brooklyn. 

Read more from Isabelle in her op-ed in the Staten Island Advance.

As a result of the cuts, TC is expected to lose potential DHH professionals, significantly impacting a field already facing a critical nationwide shortage. Your gift will help us provide the specialized services that these children need to communicate, learn, and thrive in their communities.