Challenges Faced by the Texas School for the Deaf

The Texas School for the Deaf is facing stiff competition when it comes to hiring new teachers. With only about 300 new college graduates entering the deaf education workforce nationwide each year, the school is struggling to secure the next generation of talent. This has led to a challenging situation, with the school “scrambling amongst all other deaf and hard of hearing schools/education centers” to attract qualified candidates, according to a recent request for additional funding.

The school’s unique circumstances, including its heavy transportation load, set it apart from other public schools in the state. As lawmakers work on their budget plans, school officials are asking them to consider the various factors that affect the campus, including the cost of transporting students from 64 counties to the Austin-based school.

The Texas School for the Deaf has a sprawling campus and serves about 550 students. It operates as both a day school and a residential program, providing a comprehensive education to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. However, the school faces significant challenges in attracting and retaining qualified teachers, due in part to the limited pool of candidates and the high cost of living in Austin.

Teacher Salaries and Recruitment

State law ties the Texas School for the Deaf’s teacher salaries to those in nearby Austin ISD. However, the pay scale in Austin ISD is no longer as competitive as it used to be, according to Texas School for the Deaf Superintendent Peter Bailey. Other area school districts have increased teacher salaries at a higher percentage rate, making it harder for the Texas School for the Deaf to attract and retain qualified teachers.

The average teacher at the Texas School for the Deaf has roughly 10 years of experience and two-thirds have a master’s degree. However, the school’s starting salary for teachers is about $61,000, while the average educator pay is roughly $73,000. This can be a challenge for teachers, especially considering the high cost of living in Austin. According to a 2023 Redfin report, homebuyers need to earn $126,000 to afford a median-priced home in the city.

The school is competing with other schools nationwide for a limited pool of candidates, making it difficult to attract teachers to the area. “We are competing from one pool of candidates nationwide, so it is difficult to get them where the cost of living is now,” Bailey explained to lawmakers during a budget hearing.

Recruiting Pipeline

The Texas School for the Deaf partners with universities, including Lamar and Gallaudet, to recruit staff certified in deaf education and fluent in American Sign Language. The school is working to support deaf education students in mainstream programs, as well as those in deaf schools.

University programs specializing in deaf education are typically small, with only eight to 12 students per cohort. The school recruits students who are passionate about deaf education, many of whom have a personal reason for wanting to teach. Alton Markel, a math teacher at the school, is an example of this. He graduated from the Texas School for the Deaf himself and always knew he wanted to return as an educator.

Markel is aware of the barriers that exist for people entering the field of deaf education. “Deaf education teachers often face higher demands with fewer resources, and in some cases, they are expected to fill multiple roles beyond teaching,” he said. “Low salaries in education also discourage potential candidates from entering or staying in the field.”

Markel believes that investing in teacher training and providing specific scholarships or loan forgiveness programs could help attract more people to the field. “Ultimately, the best solution is to invest in the next generation of Deaf teachers — encouraging Deaf students to pursue teaching careers, just as I was inspired to do,” he said. “Representation matters, and having more Deaf educators in the classroom ensures that students receive the language-rich, culturally competent education they deserve.”

Other Strains

The Texas School for the Deaf’s financial situation is similar to that of other public schools in the state, with budget strains triggered by inflation, stagnant funding, and under-funded mandates. However, the school also faces unique challenges, including the cost of transporting students from across the state.

As a residential school, the Texas School for the Deaf spends a significant amount of money on student transportation, with buses taking students home to Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and San Angelo each week. “Rising transportation costs have significantly impacted our budget,” Bailey said. “Factors such as increased charter bus rates, higher fuel prices, growing maintenance expenses, and the need to cover a wide geographic area have all contributed to these escalating costs.”

The school relies on general revenue appropriations from the Legislature, rather than being able to hold bond or property tax elections for facilities, renovations, or other needs. Bailey is confident that lawmakers will continue to support the school’s mission, despite the increased cost. “We are committed to working closely with the Legislature to secure increased appropriations that will allow us to further enhance our educational programs, maintain critical infrastructure, and continue delivering exceptional services to our students and families,” he said.

Conclusion

The Texas School for the Deaf is facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining qualified teachers, due to a combination of factors including the limited pool of candidates, high cost of living in Austin, and budget constraints. Despite these challenges, the school remains committed to providing a high-quality education to its students, and is working to address the barriers that exist for people entering the field of deaf education.

The school’s partnership with universities and its focus on recruiting students who are passionate about deaf education are key strategies in addressing the shortage of qualified teachers. By investing in teacher training and providing support for deaf education students, the school hopes to attract more people to the field and ensure that its students receive the best possible education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many new college graduates enter the deaf education workforce each year?

A: Approximately 300 new college graduates enter the deaf education workforce nationwide each year.

Q: What is the average salary for a teacher at the Texas School for the Deaf?

A: The average educator pay at the Texas School for the Deaf is roughly $73,000.

Q: Why is it challenging for the Texas School for the Deaf to attract and retain qualified teachers?

A: The school faces challenges due to the limited pool of candidates, high cost of living in Austin, and budget constraints.

Q: What is the Texas School for the Deaf doing to address the shortage of qualified teachers?

A: The school is partnering with universities, recruiting students who are passionate about deaf education, and investing in teacher training to address the shortage of qualified teachers.