News Story

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 16, 2024 – La Roche University will partner with DePaul School for Hearing and Speech to address a nationwide shortage of Teachers of the Deaf.  

As part of DePaul’s new GUIDE (Grow-Your-Own University Integrated Deaf Education) program, La Roche will be part of a comprehensive consortium including Robert Morris University, Utah State University and Minot State University. Each school will manage a specific segment of GUIDE, an innovative program designed to transform the current university teacher certification model by providing an intensive, hands-on training experience for aspiring educators. This collaborative approach ensures that participants receive a well-rounded education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience.  

La Roche University Professor Natalie Rugg, Ph.D., said, “The GUIDE program equips aspiring educators with the skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This exciting, new teacher preparation model allows participants to simultaneously apply their academic knowledge from university courses with practical experience working directly with students every day.” 

The pilot program will begin in Spring 2025, followed by a full cohort in Summer 2025. Upon completion students will receive a master’s degree and PA Teacher of the Deaf certification in one calendar year. 

Participants in the GUIDE Program will benefit from a robust apprenticeship model, gaining valuable real-world experience working directly with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This approach not only enhances their teaching skills but also ensures they are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their future students.  

“The shortage of programs which provide teacher-of-the-deaf certifications presented us with a unique opportunity to rethink and reshape how we prepare future educators,” said Ruth G. Auld, Ph.D., executive director of DePaul School. “The GUIDE Program is not just a workaround; it’s a pioneering model that we believe will set a new standard for teacher preparation in deaf education.” 

The GUIDE Program has received strong endorsements from both the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. These approvals underscore the program’s potential to make a significant impact in the field of deaf education and potentially be replicated for other teaching specialties in the future. 

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About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 68 undergraduate programs of study, seven master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.  

About DePaul School for Hearing and Speech: Founded in 1908, DePaul School for Hearing and Speech is dedicated to developing listening skills and spoken language in children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have spoken language communication challenges. Serving children from birth through 8th grade, DePaul School combines state subsidies with donations, grants, and endowments to fund its programs. The school’s expert team includes certified teachers of the deaf, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, behavioral specialists, and school psychologists.