Are virtual services right for your family, school or district?
   Hear Me Out Blog   

After the In-Service

           Another school year is in full
swing! Recently, as I was preparing for an in-service at one of my schools and
setting up my laptop, I was chatting with the special education teacher about
how far technology has come. During my first few years as an itinerant, I used
to bring stacks of handouts, a CD with hearing loss simulations and a CD player
to play it on. I also had a bulky three-dimensional ear model, as well as model
cochlear implants and hearing aids. So many bags! Now, I just bring my laptop,
which contains all the images, videos, audio samples and information I need!
One thing hasn’t changed though: my role after the in-service.

           Although we try to fit the most
important information into that initial meeting, there’s always key follow-up
work to do. During my follow up visit, I demonstrate how to set up each student’s
amplification—whether it’s a DAI connection to the classroom soundfield (check
with your educational audiologist to ensure the proper output), or a HAT system
connecting to cochlear implant processors. I provide handouts with each part of
their system labeled, as well as step-by-step instructions (created either by
me or by my students).          

                                              

           I also review with the classroom
teacher or designated school staff member how to do a listening check, and I
provide step–by–step instructions with illustrations for this task as well.
While it’s true that the language I use helps my student to accurately identify
the parts of their technology and understand their importance and the routine,
it also helps teachers who may be unfamiliar with hearing aids and cochlear
implants. 

           I ask specific questions about
classroom expectations and policies. One of my junior high students was in a
panic because a teacher discussed what it means to be prepared for class, noting
that she would not allow students to go to their lockers for forgotten items.
After meeting with my student and the teacher, he can rest assured that if he
forgets his transmitter or needs a new battery, he can go get it! At times, there do need to be exceptions made
for our students. Similarly, another junior high student who began at a new
school told me that kids are allowed to use their phones during class. Upon
further investigation, we discovered this was not true. Clarifying this policy
prevented her from potentially getting in trouble for doing something that she thought was acceptable.

           And I always make sure that everyone
knows my schedule! Each elementary student has my schedule taped to their desk.
This not only helps them remember, but also serves as a reminder to teachers
and substitutes. Older students write my days and times right into their class
schedule, and I email it to all teachers, as well as my primary contact. Finally,
I make sure that the office has my contact information so that if my student is
out, hopefully someone will let me know. J

Here’s to another
great school year!

Hear Me Out

The Hear Me Out blog provides unique resources for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. It's a forum for itinerant teachers of the deaf to share their experiences as they grow as professionals! It is produced by Clarke's Mainstream Services team as part of our mission to support children with hearing loss and the professionals who serve them.

View our comment and posting policy. 

Archives
 

About the Hear Me Out Blog

Itinerant teachers of the deaf (TOD) provide direct services to children with hearing loss in mainstream schools, consultation to their teachers, and professional development to school staff. Itinerant TODs travel to a child’s neighborhood school to provide one-on-one educational support, foster listening and spoken language development, and help children build social and self-advocacy skills. They also act as a liaison between the family and their mainstream school. Hear Me Out provides a unique forum for these special teachers to share their experiences as they grow as professionals.

Hear Me Out is produced by Mainstream Services at Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech as part of our mission to support children with hearing loss and the professionals who serve them.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *

Hear Me Out Blog

About the Author

Heather Stinson (CAGS, MED, S/LP-A) received her master’s degree in Education of the Deaf from Smith College in 2006 and a graduate certificate in Children, Families, and Schools (with a concentration in research methodology) from the University of Massachusetts in 2012. In addition to her many years of experience working with children with hearing loss who communicate using listening and spoken language, Heather has also worked as a preschool classroom teacher.

Heather has presented both locally and nationally on issues related to mainstreaming students with hearing loss and is a contributing author to Odyssey magazine. Heather currently works as an itinerant teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing at Clarke Mainstream Services, a program of Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech.

Our professionals are here to help.

Please contact any of our locations to learn more about Clarke’s broad array of programs and services.