The goals for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing Consortium for Teacher Preparation are to provide teachers who hold a Michigan teaching certificate and live in Michigan to earn an additional endorsement in Deaf/Hard of Hearing and to address the need for teachers to meet the unique needs of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Courses are chosen from a variety of excellent DHH programs at universities throughout the United States.
Eligibility for Program
- Completed bachelor’s degree.
- Valid or pending Michigan teaching certificate with a special education endorsement.
- General education teachers without a special education endorsement must complete approved foundation course(s) in special education prior to enrollment in the program.
Master's Degree Option
As you plan your Consortium Endorsement Program Plan of Study, you may want to consider that some of our participating universities could work with you to complete a Master’s degree. Coursework beyond the DHH endorsement program to attain a Master's Degree would be determined by the university chosen. These additional courses would not be reimbursable through the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education. Master’s degree options are available through the University of Northern Colorado, Minot State University, St. Joseph University, and Valdosta State University.
Consortium Contact
MDE-LIO Program Manager
Elizabeth Flores, M.S.
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
P.O. Box 30742
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-614-9082
florese2@michigan.gov
MDE-LIO Consultant
Nancy Mosher
[email protected]
Consortium History
Before 2009, several Visual Impairment (VI) and Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) teacher preparation programs were offered at Michigan universities. Within a few years, however, both DHH teacher programs closed their doors and four out of five VI teacher programs ended, causing an impending teacher shortage in both areas.
When programs began closing their doors, Dr. Jacquelyn Thompson, then-director of the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education, had the foresight to begin finding a solution to the teacher shortage.
Dr. Thompson assembled two committees, one focusing on DHH and one focusing on VI, to gather knowledge from a broad range of stakeholders. Each group met separately for two years and gained insight into the nationwide teacher shortage. In 2011, the two groups met face-to-face and shared issues and recommendations.
After considering the committees’ data and recommendations, Roxanne Balfour, Joanne Winkelman, Nancy Mosher, and Collette Bauman created two consortia of in-state and out-of-state universities. Each consortium allows certified teachers in Michigan to earn an additional VI or DHH endorsement online through participating universities.
Students have the option to choose courses from any of the participating universities. These courses are offered through a variety of online platforms, video conferencing, and face-to-face meetings.
Tuition reimbursement is currently available to eligible students who are certified teachers in Michigan.