How are the job prospects for teachers of the deaf or blind?

Question

I'm interested in pursuing a masters degree in special education, with a concentration on teaching deaf children, or possibly, blind children. Will I have a difficult time finding a job, or are these specific positions in high demand?

Answer 1

I am a special education teacher with a masters who has learned ASL and has also worked for the blind. There are many opportunities for working with either community. Just be sure it is your passion. If it is, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to burn out.

When working with the Deaf, you can be a teacher for private or public schools, become an advocate, and be an interpreter. Interpreters make good money and it can be a full time or part time gig on top of another job.

When working with the blind there are slightly less opportunities as an interpreter is not usually needed. Teaching in private or public schools is in high demand and tutoring may be available.

In order to have the most professional opportunities, I suggest working with the Deaf. They need so many services across the board that extra work is everywhere.

Answer 2

Teacher Of The Deaf Jobs

Answer 3

First off--good for you! Secondly, if you are in the master's program, by now you should have visited the state school for the deaf or blind in your state. You may have to move for a lucrative job. If u are lucky enough to live in D.C. you could try to get a job at Gallaudet, the only university for the Deaf in the USA.
You dont mention your concentration? Interpreting or oral? Usually deaf educators need to pick a side. And its a very clear cut side. You will find this in the Deaf community. These are specific jobs but good jobs and worth the time and money if you can tolerate the stress level. Every teaching job is stressful but Deaf/Blind education can be especially stressful as you try to help the students navigate in a hearing and seeing world. (especially if u are pro-ASL and the community u live in is pro-Oral.)
By now you should be learning ASL, MCE and possible SEE 1 and 2. You should be learning about braille and if you wanted, the Deaf/Blind interpretation is amazing.

I wish u the best, sign on for me!

Answer 4

Oh yeah.. there are jobs....burn out rate is high...You can have my job! Deaf Ed. I've had it!
I can't teach students the way they need to be taught w/in the public school..My students need time. Time to explain, process, relate to their own experiences, reinforce vocabulary..but the bells are ringing, interruptions one right after another- very distracting!!!
I'd go back to a state school for the Deaf if it paid more but would be 16K cut..but I loved it. Everyone from maintenance to administration knew what the students needed and were able to communicate with them in ASL. Creative, visual teachers in both oral or ASL environment.
I'm tired of writing so many accommodations that the student is getting a watered down version of education, tired of trying to teach other teachers how to support Deaf/Hard of Hearing.And tired of bending backwards for the parents who only want to think their kid is getting a "public school" education when in fact they still aren't reading above a 4th grade level.
I did not have Early Childhood or other degree related so now only D/HH. IF there are cuts to my district or population cuts then I really have no resouces. All my certificates "piggyback" on my state certificate which is D/HH, meaning I can only teach "gifted" Deaf or "ELL"if they are Deaf. So if you can get double major- do that, then you won't be stuck with only one skill. (Autism is "hot" right now too)
Good luck and even if the system is broken, the kids are great!!!!

Answer 5

I think that you will find many jobs in the market if you specialize in working with the deaf, blind or deaf/blind. Many more students with these disabilities are being mainstreamed into their local schools and teachers are needed to work with them. There are also specialized schools like Perkins School for the Blind and The Learning Center for Deaf Children who always need staff members. Best of luck in your career choice.

Answer 6

I work in Special Ed, and the people who support district staff such as the D/HH or VI are in HUGE DEMAND....Some come with licenses in OHD (Other Heath Disabilities). There are "regular" ed kids who need only DHH or VI services in almost every classroom.
With some kids, sign language is taught as a PRIMARY way of communication even though their hearing is fine, it is when they are impaired and cannot express their needs verbally. I have a signing interpreter (1:1 SUPPORT in all aspects of the school day including toileting and keeping on task) for a student with Downs Syndrome. Since signs are being taught to babies, some of the regular kids know some signs and this has opened a whole new world for the student for participation and active communication. The time is right to start looking at postings in school districts where you live, and even call their sped director about any job prospects. Some districts go into a "cadre" (even with PT, OT or Speech) sharing such needed persons of expertise in your areas, and that may be something to look into or ask your local sped director when you call. The perfect position may not actually exist, but if the need is there one might just be created for you. Good luck!

Answer 7

There are many job oppertunities for people who graduate with a focus of deafness or blindless. However, from my experience in NY if you want to work with Deaf students you go to the private school which happens to be significantly less than the local public schools. It definitely has its perks but a lot of draw backs aswell.

Answer 8

Teachers of the Deaf are in high demand. When I graduated with a Masters in Deaf Ed, my possibilities were endless. Good luck!

Answer 9

In my state we have a special school for those that are hearing/visually impaired, one of the best in the nation. I learned ASL from a very early age, I love being able to communicate to All people around me. I am currently teaching my kids ASL, my sons all three know the alphabet in ASL even though my youngest still can't say it, he's only 1. Move to Alabama you'll have a great chance plus they have excellent benefits. Best of luck to you and yours.

Answer 10

The position in this field is in very high demand, it would be a job that you could basicly make your own pay if your in an area that doen't have a visualy impaired teacher, like in my area. If I were you I would defenetly go for your masters degree in this field of interest.