Deaf Ed program, inspired by Fontbonne University, focuses on preparing educators for family-centered success 

Butler University has received a $1.25 million grant from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to support the launch of a Master of Arts (MA) in Deaf Education program in fall 2026. Housed in the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences department within Butler’s College of Communication in collaboration with the College of Education, the program will open with an initial cohort of 10-12 students. The grant will provide scholarships, professional development, and mentorship for graduate students who aspire to serve as teachers of learners who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

The MA in Deaf Education at Butler University will prepare educators and early interventionists to serve children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and their families, using listening and spoken language (LSL) approaches within family-centered, evidence-based frameworks. 

“Families are at the heart of everything we do,” Jenna Voss, Program Director, Deaf Education, said. “Our program is grounded in the belief that strong family partnerships drive the most meaningful language and learning outcomes. Thus, we will prepare educators who value families as full partners in the learning journey. Our graduates will listen, collaborate, and honor the goals families hold for their child’s future.” 

While the online, synchronous MA Deaf Education is new to Butler, the program is grounded in a history of success. For more than 60 years, Fontbonne University (St. Louis) worked to close the workforce gap in deaf education, preparing educators with the knowledge and skills to help DHH children listen, talk, read, and thrive in their communities. Following Fontbonne’s closure in 2025, Butler University committed to continuing this vital work, drawing upon Fontbonne’s proven foundation to inform its own program. 

“Butler is fortunate to have visionary leaders like Dr. Nancy Blattner, president of Fontbonne University, and Dr. Voss, playing a large role in this transition,” Joe Valenzano, Dean of Butler University’s College of Communication, said. “Their professional expertise, program experience, and team-first collaborative approach to inspire the MA in Deaf Education program at Butler will make for a positive experience for our students and faculty.” 

In keeping with the Boldly Butler strategy of delivering highly relevant interdisciplinary programs that align with workforce demands, the program will help to address a nationwide need within deaf education. The American Association for Employment in Education’s 2023–2024 report identified deaf education as an area of “considerable shortage.” Only 51 deaf education programs exist nationwide, with only five of the graduate programs providing a listening and spoken language focus. Twenty states offer no deaf education preparation program at all. 

Butler will help meet that need—preparing educators who are skilled, compassionate, and ready to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. The course of study will be steeped in transformational learning experiences and contribute to a thriving Butler as graduates develop an ongoing commitment to inclusive, equity-driven teacher preparation. Program graduates will be eligible for the Indiana Department of Education’s “Special Education: Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” licensure and may also be eligible for licensure/certification in other states. The program will work closely with Butler’s College of Education to ensure a well-rounded, interdisciplinary foundation. 

The program will be part of the OPTION Schools network, an association of school programs serving DHH children learning to listen and talk. As a key partner, St. Joseph Hearing + Speech, based in both Indianapolis and St. Louis, will offer a wide range of field experience opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on practice in early intervention, teletherapy, preschool, and itinerant settings. 

To learn more details about the program, please visit Butler’s MA in Deaf Education program website.