In Algeria, many teachers of deaf children are the ones who have obtained a BA or an MA in any field ( e.g. art, history, sociology, psychology, mathematics ). In general, they may have zero experience in teaching and most of them know nothing about sign languages. In addition, interpreters are not involved during classes in order to facilitate communication between hearing teachers and hard of hearing/ deaf children.
The new teachers receive 15 days of training in which they learn about some basic information about sign Languages ( alphabets and few signs, for example)
Does this mean that these teachers are qualified to teach?
At minimum, a first degree in Special Ed or Deaf Ed and certification and competence in Sign Language up to a level 4.
Once these are in place, it is fair to assume that these teachers will have a firm understanding of Deaf Culture and Bilingual Approach to Deaf Education.
The shortage of these special ed teachers though and the gaps in the teacher training system usually lead to schools for the Deaf having to rercuit teachers without this minimum slate of competencies and qualifications.
Hello Hicham Abdelouafi .
There is a simple answer to your question: No.
Sign language is a language on same grounds as any other languages. It is not possible to learn a language in 15 days. Signing letters in alphabet is not equivalent to sign language.
It is a problem that deaf children and youngsters in many cases don't have real access to education, no matter which degree the teacher holds. If the teacher can't communicate with the children, education will fail.
So again; the teachers as you describe here are not qualified to teach deaf children I am afraid.
Thank you both for your comments. I totally agree with what you've already mentioned above. And I believe that: being a teacher of the deaf, mastering a sign language is a must. Unfortunately, here in Algeria, the teachers' knowledge of Sign Languages, which as equal as any other spoken one, is limited to its Signing letters in alphabet...
They must have special qualifications at the BA level and above in the specialty dealing with the deaf.
https://www.zippia.com/teacher-of-the-deaf-hard-of-hearing-jobs/
He should be qualified from Deaf Teacher preparing instituition.
https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/d308/deaf-education-teacher-of-the-deaf-qualification-ma
At least they have a bachelors degree in deaf education and have the language to communicate with them, and more importantly, they have a desire to deal with these students.
Dear Dr. Hicham Abdelouafi ,
I recommend thih link for you:
https://www.masters-education.com/teaching-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing/
I recommend this link for you:
Thank you for your recommendation Dr. Abdelkader. I certainly check it.
Deaf teachers: These people must have special skills and traits that will enable them to deal with this group of students. These skills are embodied in chest capacity, dedication to work, and endurance.
To qualify as a teacher of students with hearing impairment, one should have the following:
- Skill in curriculum adjustment, instruction modification strategies etc.
- Skills in effective teaching strategies.
- Goal settings and actualisation skills.
- Communication skills - incl. Sign Language
- Skills on rehabilitation and behavioural modification
- Badges
- Science method
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