For more than 40 years, Canisius College, in cooperation with St. Mary’s School for the Deaf, has been preparing teachers in deaf education. Students enrolled for full-time studies in the Deaf Education Program are challenged in a rigorous program that prepares them to teach children (pre-nursery through high school) in residential schools, public day schools, resource rooms and in inclusionary environments.
The Canisius program is focused upon educational practice grounded in a strong theoretical framework following a comprehensive program philosophy. Graduate students interact with deaf children and educational professionals from their first day on campus. Studies include learning American Sign Language and Signed English, and using these communication tools in the instruction of children and youth.
The Deaf Education Program is nationally recognized by the Council on Education of the Deaf (CED). Graduates receive a master of science degree and New York State certification (all grades) to teach students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Graduates who come to the program with non-education degrees also receive certification in either Childhood or Adolescence Education with additional coursework.
Canisius College, a private college in the Jesuit tradition, prepares teachers to serve children who are deaf or hard of hearing in a variety of educational settings.
Canisius College enjoys a strong relationship to all programs in Western New York that involve children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It has had a particularly special relationship with St. Mary's School for the Deaf, where many of the professional studies and experiences take place.
Important Features of Graduate Deaf Education at Canisius College
- Intensive preparation directly within the St. Mary's School for the Deaf
- Two-year, four-semester program for qualified students
- Faculty committed to the St. Mary's School and Western New York, as well as Canisius College
- Faculty who maintain professional connections in the deaf culture in teaching, research, and service
- One of a few programs in upstate New York providing credentials for teaching deaf children from birth to age 21.
New York State and CED (Council on Education of the Deaf) - Strong field-based component
- Practica in a wide variety of settings
- State-of-the-art computer facilities
The School of Education & Human Services is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the standard of excellence in teacher preparation.