Grand Rapids, Mich. – Aquinas College has partnered with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to offer the only Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) endorsement in the state. The endorsement is offered through the DHH Consortium, an innovative, multi-state college and university partnership. The DHH Consortium for Teacher Preparation was created by the MDE, Office of Special Education (OSE) in response to an absence of DHH endorsement programs in Michigan. Aquinas currently offers certifications in two areas of special education, Learning Disabilities and Physical or Other Health Impairment (POHI).

“This partnership provides a great opportunity for teachers who wish to broaden their teaching credentials and we look forward to building this program,” said Nanette Clatterbuck, dean of the School of Education at Aquinas College.

Aquinas is collaborating with institutions around the country to offer this unique online program. Through the consortium, Aquinas assists Michigan educators in accessing courses through several other colleges and universities virtually through webinars and video conferencing.

“This distinctive program provides a pathway for individuals who hold a Michigan teaching certificate to obtain an endorsement in Deaf and Hard of Hearing,” said Elizabeth Flores, program director, DHH/Aquinas College.

The program gives credentialed teachers the opportunity to work with DHH students. Any teacher in Michigan can take part in the program. Non-Michigan teachers may participate in the program as well, but they must check with their own state’s education certification body to see if the program fulfills the requirements.

The first group of students began the program in the fall of 2013. The program takes about two years to complete, but there is not a fixed timeline. Completion is based on the student’s preference, which allows students to decide how many classes they want to take concurrently.

The program gives Aquinas the opportunity to assist the state and fulfill a need for more programs in this field of study.

For more information, please visit aquinas.edu/education/certification-information/deaf-hard-hearing-consortium-teacher-preparation