Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf Services Across New Jersey
Summit Speech School provides one of New Jersey’s most comprehensive itinerant Teacher of the Deaf (ToD) programs, partnering with 65 public school districts to ensure students who are deaf or hard of hearing have full access to learning. Our 12 full‑time, highly trained ToDs support more than 260 students from preschool through high school, offering individualized instruction, collaboration, and ongoing technical and audiological support.
What Makes Our Itinerant Services Different
Dedicated Teachers of the Deaf
Our ToDs specialize in Listening & Spoken Language (LSL) development and understand the neuroscience of hearing and the scaffolds required for students to build strong auditory and spoken‑language pathways. Each teacher develops a personalized plan aligned with the student’s IEP goals, communication needs, and classroom environment.
To optimize a student’s access to learning, our Teachers of the Deaf work with students and district staff to strengthen:
- Auditory Attention and Detection
- Auditory Memory and Discrimination
- Auditory Recognition, Sequencing, and Comprehension
- Auditory Retrieval and Expressive Communication
These foundational auditory skills support academic learning, social communication, and long‑term independence.
Integrated Audiology Support
Every ToD has open access to our Educational Audiologists, ensuring rapid troubleshooting, equipment guidance, and expert interpretation of hearing data. This seamless connection between teachers and audiologists helps districts resolve issues quickly and maintain consistent access for students.
Hands‑On Support During Every Session
During school visits, our ToDs:
- Complete hearing checks to confirm students are accessing sound
- Inspect and troubleshoot hearing aids, cochlear implants, and FM/DM systems
- Collaborate with classroom teachers, case managers, CST members, and related service providers
- Provide coaching to school staff on accommodations, technology use, and communication strategies
This combination of instructional and technical support ensures students are ready to learn every day.
Partnership With School Districts
Districts rely on Summit Speech School for:
- Consistent, high‑quality itinerant services
- Clear communication and documentation
- Expert recommendations for technology and accommodations
- Support during IEP meetings and evaluations
- A team approach that centers the student’s success
Our long‑standing partnerships across New Jersey reflect our commitment to excellence, responsiveness, and collaboration.
Serving 260 Students Across 65 Districts
Our itinerant program continues to grow because districts trust our expertise, reliability, and student‑centered approach. With a team of 12 full‑time ToDs, we provide year‑round support that adapts to each district’s needs and ensures students have the tools and access they need to thrive.
Contact Our Program
For questions about itinerant services, district contracts, or student support, contact:
Heather Freeman, Program Coordinator hfreeman@summitspeech.org
