The field of Deaf Education is vast and ever-changing.
I have personally taught in 2 different Deaf Education models: the Self-Contained Classroom and Itinerant Teaching within public schools.
Self-Contained Classroom
In this model the Deaf Ed Teacher is responsible for all academics, Deaf/HI related IEP goals, and being the IEP Teacher of Record. If you are a hearing person think about the classroom you were in as as child, this is much like that. However, beyond the use of ASL as the main mode of communication, the marked difference is found in the classroom being multi-grade. Personally, I taught 3rd-6th grade in one room. It was quite the trick to get the daily schedule mastered.
The short version? I taught 4 grade levels, 6 subjects each, in 2 languages, in 1 classroom.
Itinerant Teaching
In this model the Deaf Ed Teacher is responsible for Deaf/HI related IEP goals and being the IEP Teacher of Record. In my personal experience the Itinerant Teacher has an office as a home-base where he/she may write IEPS, use a landline for making contact with parents, and print off needed items. Then the rest of the time he/she is out traveling to the various schools assigned to him/her. I currently have 4 schools which are specifically mine to oversee in the area of the needs of those students who are Deaf/HI. I legally could work with Pre-K – 12th grade. As my experience is in the Elementary and Early Childhood range – I have been allowed to stay in a realm of professional comfort, working with Pre-K – 5th grade students.
I have a schedule of session or lesson times when I meet with those students whose IEPs call for Direct Instruction provided by the Deaf/HI Teacher. The goal of our session times is wide ranging depending on the needs of the student. Largely I work on language skills. I will admit I sign far less than I used to in my previous teaching position.
The short version? I carry my classroom in my car and work with Deaf/HI students to increase skills and knowledge related to language and daily living in whatever small space/office I can find.
Classroom: Self-Contained Teaching Car: Itinerant Teaching
I have loved and hated both of these models.
I think that is just teaching.
Teachers of all kinds: We love the children – we hate the red tape.
Teaching Hands 