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Gain the Knowledge and Skills to Teach Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

If you are a passionate educator looking to make a difference and have a significant impact on the lives of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a specialization in Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH) at Madonna University equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a highly effective educator in this critical area and assist students who are D/HH in developing skills for academic learning, life skills, employability, and independent living.

D/HH Students Need You!

300,000

school-age children in the US are hearing impaired in some way.

(National Association for the Deaf)

LEAD-K

Language Equality and Acquisition for Deaf Kids
(known as LEAD-K) is a national campaign promoting language acquisition for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH).

1 in 500

babies in the United States are born D/HH. Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop speech, language, and social skills, and ultimately kindergarten readiness. 

(Center for Disease Control)

Equip Yourself to Support Students who are D/HH

  • Deepen Your Expertise: Gain a comprehensive understanding of D/HH, encompassing its characteristics, assessment methods, and evidence-based interventions. 
  • Strengthen Your Teaching Practices: Learn to create individualized learning plans, implement effective instructional strategies, and promote successful inclusion for students who are D/HH.
  • Develop Practical Skills: Through coursework and supervised field experiences, hone your ability to collaborate with families, service providers, and other educators to ensure a smooth transition for students across educational settings.

Program Overview

Madonna University's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a specialization in Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH) equips current and aspiring educators with the specialized skills and knowledge to effectively support students who are D/HH. 

This program curriculum blends a strong theoretical foundation with practical application. You'll delve into core courses covering assessment, curriculum development, and instructional strategies specifically designed for students who are D/HH. Additionally, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience through supervised practicum placements in local schools or agencies. 

Note:

This program requires a minimum of 42 credit hours.

Candidates must possess a valid teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution for admissions consideration.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a specialization in Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH) equips you to make a lasting impact on the lives of students who are D/HH.

This program opens doors to a fulfilling career path where you can:

Become a Highlight Sought-After Educator:

  • Special Education Teacher: Lead specialized classrooms designed to meet the unique needs of students who are D/HH.
  • D/HH Specialist: Provide targeted support and services with general education classrooms, fostering inclusion and promoting student success.
  • Educational Consultant: Offer guidance and professional development to educators working with students who are D/HH, empowering them to create effective learning environments.
  • Behavior Interventionist: Design and implement individualized behavior plans to promote positive learning experiences and support students' emotional well-being.

Work in Diverse Settings:

  • Public School Districts: Contribute to inclusive learning initiatives in public schools, ensuring all students have access to quality education.
  • Private Schools: Embrace innovative teaching approaches in private school settings designed to cater to the specific needs of students who are D/HH.
  • Intermediate School Districts (ISD) or Regional Education Service Centers (RESC): Collaborate with a network of professionals to provide specialized services and support students across various educational settings within an ISD or RESC.
  • Educational Agencies: Advocate for students who are D/HH at the policy level, influencing positive change within the education system.
  • Non-Profit Organizations: Contribute to the mission of non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by D/HH.

Faculty Bios

Anne-Marie Sladewski

Program Director, Assistant Professor

B.S. Central Michigan University

M.A. University of St. Joseph 

Ed.S. Oakland University

Ed.D. Michigan State University

asladewski@madonna.edu

734-432-5651, 2230H

Anne-Marie Sladewski

Director and an Assistant Professor in the College of Education. She joined the full-time faculty of Madonna University in 2023. She received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University. Experienced professor and school-based and central office administrator with a demonstrated history of success and leadership in higher education. Her research interest includes collective responsibility of educational partnerships and improved learner outcomes.

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Sue Ann Sharma

Interim Dean Dean, College of Education and Human Development, Professor

B.S. University of Michigan – Flint 

M.S. Oakland University 

Ed.S. Oakland University 

Ph.D. Oakland University 

sasharma@madonna.edu

734-432-5785, 2230D

Sue Ann Sharma

Dr. Sue Ann Sharma is Professor and Chair of Graduate Education at Madonna University. With extensive experience in education, including having served as a curriculum director, literacy coach, and elementary teacher. In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Sharma is the Director of the Early Childhood Education and Graduate Literacy programs within the College of Education.

Passionate about educational excellence, Dr. Sharma is dedicated to preparing teachers to address the diverse needs of learners. Her commitment extends to developing instructional literacy leaders, contributing to the future of education. As an advocate for literacy, she has actively served on the International Reading Association's Literacy Reform Task Force and holds the position of Past President at the Michigan Reading Association.

Dr. Sharma's academic pursuits focus on early childhood education, culturally responsive pedagogies, digital curation, and online teaching and learning. Through her research, she aims to advance knowledge in these critical areas, contributing to the ongoing evolution of effective educational practices. A respected figure in academia, Dr. Sue Ann Sharma continues to inspire and shape the educational landscape, leaving an indelible mark through her leadership, research, and commitment to fostering excellence in teaching and learning.

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