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Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Education

Full-time Program (Residents of Ontario)

The full-time program is offered in one academic year, over two semesters, beginning in August and finishing in April.

Students enrolled in the full-time program primarily access courses by attending face-to-face classes in our designated classroom on the York University campus, with some online learning activities. Classes are generally scheduled for Monday through Thursday. However, there are a number of field trips, observations, guest lectures, etc. scheduled on many Fridays, so students need to be available full-time. Fall term courses typically run during the day between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Winter term courses are scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on some days and afternoons, and evenings between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on other days. Please note that scheduled times can fluctuate from year to year. Full-time students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and complete the entire program as a cohort in one year.

All students must complete 400 hours of practicum (320 hours of direct teaching and 80 hours of observation). Part-time students will complete their practicum placements in the third year of the program. Students may be asked to travel to practicum placements and will be responsible for all expenses incurred.

Students enrolled in the program will be required to provide proof of and maintain a current, original Criminal Record Check that includes a Vulnerable Sector Screening, as required by provincial law and the school board throughout the duration of the program.

Course Directors/Practicum Facilitators will secure placements that are appropriate for teacher candidates to successfully complete the program and Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) requirements.  

Teacher candidates must not make any effort to secure their own placements.   

Likewise, once a placement is secured by the Course Director/Practicum Facilitator for each teacher candidate, the placement must be completed. Teacher candidates may not decline a placement. Teacher candidates must be aware that the refusal of a placement may jeopardize their ability to graduate from the program. 

Teacher candidates must be aware that placements are by invitation from school boards, schools and mentor teachers; they are under no obligation to host a student teacher.  

Teacher candidates must adhere to Faculty and School Board policies and procedures in securing placements. 

To remain in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Education Program, students must maintain a minimum grade of a C+ in each course. If a failing grade is received in any course or practicum placement, students will be ineligible to continue and will be withdrawn from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Education Program. In addition, current, unrestricted membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) must be maintained through the entire program.

Graduates of the program earn a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma from York University, and are recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers for the qualification, “Teaching Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing”, with a specialization in either ASL/LSQ Communication, or Oral/Aural Communication. The program is accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers and by the Canadian Association of Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CAEDHH). It is each individual’s responsibility to check with jurisdictions outside of Ontario to confirm if the program will be recognized for employment.

Tuition for this program is subsidized by the Ontario government for Ontario residents. Therefore, no tuition fees are charged to Ontario residents.

Students will be required to pay material fees for some courses and to purchase textbooks and other personal learning materials; these materials are not subsidized.

Who can Apply?

Admission Requirements (Residents of Ontario):

  1. Membership in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) with no limitations and/or restrictions, which must be maintained throughout the program;
  2. BEd degree with a minimum grade-point average of B in both academic and practicum courses; and
  3. Documentation of two successfully-completed American Sign Language (ASL) courses at a recognized college/university or community-based (e.g., Canadian Hearing Society) program.

Applicants are considered for admission on the basis of their:

  • Teaching experience in elementary and/or secondary school classrooms
  • Experience with deaf or hard of hearing students
  • Academic background
  • Credentials, related additional qualifications, and professional development activities
  • Volunteer experience

Dates and Deadlines

  • The application is available in mid-December each year
  • All applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee after March 15th
  • Admission decisions will be communicated by early May. Contact with applicants will be made using email throughout the process as appropriate
  • Please Note: All applicants will receive an email with the final decision of the Admissions Committee by early May. This information will be communicated via the email address provided on the application.

How to Apply