The Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Teacher Certification Program prepares educators to work with children and youth who are deaf and hard of hearing. Students admitted to the program can earn certification to teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.  

The program requirements for certification will depend upon the educational background and previous teacher certification of each student. See the D/HH program summary sheet for general program information.

PATH Project Funding AvailableFunding is available for eligible students through the federally funded PATH Project (Providing Accessible Teacher Education in Deaf/Hard of Hearing).

Why this UWM Program is Right for You

Certification or Master's Plus Certification

Individuals admitted to the program choose between two program options.

• Certification only: Students enroll in the D/HH certification program at the Post-Baccalaureate level (undergraduate tuition/fees). Students only complete courses and supervised field experiences required for certification.
  
• Master's Plus Certification: Students begin the D/HH certification program at the Post-Baccalaureate level and consult with their faculty advisor regarding when to apply to the Graduate School. Students complete some certification coursework at the graduate level in addition to the Master’s core required for the 30 credit Master’s degree.

To apply to this program you will need:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher
• Some experience and/or coursework in American Sign Language
• Passing Scores on the Praxis I (see information below)

Course SequenceProgram cohort begins in summer and is generally two years.  However, course requirements depend upon your educational background and teacher certification. See chart below for general course sequence.  With certification in regular and/or special education, the program is modified.

Sign Language

You must fulfill sign language requirements—either B or better in sign language courses ASL I-IV or an equivalent score of 2+ on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). Sign language courses are not available online. ASL I and II are often available through local community colleges and organizations. ASL III and IV are offered in some communities, but are more difficult to find. UWM offers ASL I-IV in Fall, Spring, and Summer on-campus.

Teaching Experiences

This is a field-based program. Teaching experiences are a part of each semester of coursework. The configuration of teaching experiences depends upon certification background and type of program (on-the-job or traditional). All students complete a summer of student teaching in Milwaukee. Supervision will be on-site and web-based. If you are hired to teach and obtain a teaching permit from the state, you may complete your teaching experiences in this setting.

Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST)If you do not have an active 5-year Wisconsin Teaching License, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires that you pass the Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) prior to admission into a teacher certification program. The Praxis I is an assessment in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The current minimum passing scores for the Praxis I computer and paper-based subtests are as follows: Reading – 175 | Writing – 174 | Mathematics – 173. For more information visit: http://www.ets.org/praxis/.

ApplicationApplication packet can be found here. Submit a completed application by designated deadline with:

• Official Praxis I scores or copy of 5-year Wisconsin teaching license
• Department application
• Official transcripts for Bachelor's degree and any education related college level coursework
• UW System application
• Personal Statement
• Two letters of recommendations

Applicants with complete applications turned in by the application deadlines as listed in the application packet will be contacted for an interview. Applicants are notified of the admission decision within two weeks of the interview. See the program application packet and the website for more information on the application materials, process and deadlines.

Applicants who are admitted to the program are encouraged to consult the DHH Resource page for further resources and information.