INDIANAPOLIS — Butler University is stepping up to lead in deaf education. They’ve received a $1.25 million federal grant to launch a new Master of Arts (MA) program, set to begin in fall 2026. This move comes as the U.S. faces a significant shortage of teachers trained in deaf education.
As Fontbonne University, a longtime leader in this field, prepares to close in 2025, Butler is making a strong commitment to keep this important educational legacy alive.
The new MA program will be part of Butler’s College of Communication, working closely with the College of Education. What sets this program apart is its focus on Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) approaches rather than a general education model. Jenna Voss, the Program Director, emphasizes the importance of family in the educational process. “Strong family partnerships drive the most meaningful language and learning outcomes,” she says. The program aims to help graduates work alongside families to achieve their children’s goals.
This online program will be synchronous, making it accessible to educators nationwide, especially in the 20 states without any training programs for deaf education. According to the American Association for Employment in Education, there are only 51 programs available across the country, with just five graduate programs focusing specifically on listening and spoken language.
The grant, known as Project PREP, will fund various opportunities for students, including:
- Full scholarships for an initial cohort of 10–12 graduate students.
- Mentorship and professional development.
- Interdisciplinary training that combines speech-language pathology with school counseling.
Butler has partnered with the OPTION Schools network to ensure students gain top-notch clinical experience. Local partner St. Joseph Hearing + Speech will offer field placements in both Indianapolis and St. Louis, providing hands-on training in teletherapy and early intervention.
Graduates of this program will qualify for licensure through the Indiana Department of Education and will be ready to take on high-demand roles, such as Teachers of the Deaf and early interventionists. This is crucial, especially as the need for specialized educators continues to rise.
For those interested in this unique opportunity, more details about applications and scholarships are available on the Butler MA in Deaf Education website.
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Sentiment – Informed,Topic – Local News
