Page 30 - EdViewptsSpring2017

Constructive Collaboration: The

Consultant Teacher Model in Educating

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students

By Dr. Candi Mascia Reed, Retired Supervisor, Total Communication

Programs for the Deaf, Bergen County Special Services, Hackensack

Educating deaf and hard- the educational interpreter, the general also having flexible schedules each
education teacher, and the consultant week depending on student’s and gen-
of-hearing students is a teacher assistant; the student is the eral education teacher needs. “Safety
rewarding yet complex endeavor. In the fifth participant. nets” are implemented to monitor stu-
Union Street School for the Deaf and dent success, professional needs, and
the Hackensack High School Program Specific Roles in the Model student classroom placements.
for the Deaf, Bergen County Special The role of the consultant teacher is
Services School District, each student’s flexible and dynamic and remains with- The Consultant Teacher Model
learning potential is maximized through in the school district; it is not a traveling at the Union Street School for
an innovative educational model adapt- itinerant model. The role of the educa- the Deaf: Elementary and Mid-
ed in 2007 from the Special Education tional interpreter is unique, requiring
Department in the Hackensack School a commitment to and support of each dle School: School at a Glance
District called The Consultant Teacher student’s learning potential through Union Street School for the Deaf
Model. In this modified model, instruc- assessed communication needs and (USS) serves students PK-8. Small
tion, resources, modifications/accom- consistent, daily interactions with the group instruction classes are provided
modations, and student and general consultant teachers. Some teacher for all grades by certified teachers
education teacher supports are pro- assistants are assigned the role of of the deaf. The school is located
vided by the consultant teacher of the “consultant teacher assistants” and are in a separate building adjacent to
deaf in collaboration with input from the Hackensack Middle School. All
full participants in the academic model,

Educational Viewpoints -28- Spring 2017