DALLAS — When it comes to hiring new teachers, the Texas School for the Deaf faces steep competition.
Officials estimate only about 300 new college graduates enter the deaf education workforce nationwide each year.
That leaves the Austin-based school “scrambling amongst all other deaf and hard of hearing schools/education centers to secure the next generation of talent,” officials warned state lawmakers in a recent request for additional funding.
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Districts across the state are confronting tight budgets this year. But the Texas School for the Deaf — the oldest continuously operating public school in the state — faces a unique set of circumstances. As lawmakers worked through their budget plans, school officials asked them to consider the myriad factors singular to this campus, including its heavy transportation load.
The Texas School for the Deaf has a sprawling Austin campus and serves about 550 students who come from 64 counties. It operates as both a day school and a residential program.
State law ties the Texas School for the Deaf’s teacher salaries to those in nearby Austin ISD.
But that district’s pay scale isn’t as competitive as it used to be, according to Texas School for the Deaf Superintendent Peter Bailey. Other area school districts have regularly increased teacher salaries at a higher percentage rate, he added.
“Maintaining this linkage has become challenging,” Bailey said in a statement.
The average teacher at the Texas School for the Deaf has roughly 10 years of experience and two-thirds had a master’s degree, according to the school’s most recent annual report.
Still, the school’s starting salary for teachers was about $61,000, while its average educator pay was roughly $73,000.
Austin’s high cost of living can stretch such a salary, straining teacher pocketbooks more than in other parts of the state and country. Homebuyers needed to earn $126,000 to afford a median-priced home there, according to a 2023 Redfin report.
“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.
Texas’ public schools serve more than 7,100 deaf and hard of hearing students, and the majority are enrolled in local districts rather than the Texas School for the Deaf.
In North Texas, several of the largest districts operate regional school programs for students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
Recruiting pipeline
The statewide campus partners with universities — including Lamar and Gallaudet — to recruit staff certified for deaf education and fluent in American Sign Language.
“We’ve really tried to focus on how we can support deaf ed students in mainstream programs, plus students in the deaf schools,” said Jamie Bencak, a clinical professor in Lamar University’s program. “We’re really trying to teach our current teachers how to deal with these complicated situations in deaf education.”
University programs specializing in deaf education are typically small. M. Diane Clark, the department’s chair, said she aims for eight to 12 students per cohort.
“When you teach in ASL, you can’t teach to the masses, because they’ve got to be able to see you,” she said.
They recruit students who are passionate about deaf education, many of whom have a personal reason driving their desire to teach.
Alton Markel, a math teacher, knew he wanted to work with deaf students. He graduated from Texas School for the Deaf himself.
“From the moment I left, I knew I wanted to return — not just as an alumnus, but as an educator,” he said in a statement. “The school provided me with a strong foundation, both academically and culturally, and I wanted to be part of ensuring that future generations of deaf students have the same experience.”
Still, he’s aware there are many barriers when it comes to more people entering the field.
“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 wants to see more investment in teacher training, as well as specific scholarships or loan forgiveness programs specifically targeted toward his 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
In some ways, the Texas School for the Deaf’s financial situation echoes those of other public schools. Across the state, district leaders are confronting budget strains triggered by inflation, stagnant funding and under-funded mandates.
As a residential school, Texas School for the Deaf also spends a tremendous amount of money on student transportation. Its buses take students home to Dallas, Ft. 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.”
Plus, Texas School for the Deaf, unlike other public schools, can’t hold bond or property tax elections for facilities, renovations or other needs. It relies on general revenue appropriations from the legislature.
Bailey said he feels confident lawmakers will continue to support his school’s mission — even as it comes at a greater cost this year.
“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.
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