Instructional Role Model - Sequoias

 

Program Components:

Role Models/mentors

 

Larry Dutto

Dean of Academic Services

larryd@cos.edu

559-730-3808

Target population: All students.

Goals: To demonstrate that high quality instruction can be delivered by an instructor who

has a disability, and to provide a role model for students with disabilities as well as for all

other students.

Description: When a talented, qualified, hearing impaired graphic arts instructor applied to

teach at College of the Sequoias, the Dean of Academic Services realized it was an opportunity

to provide a special population role model on campus. The hearing impaired instructor was

hired to teach Graphic Arts 159, Introduction to Photoshop, as part of the standard industrial

technology curriculum. Two sign language interpreters were hired to translate signed

instructions to the students, and students' responses and questions to the instructor.

Staffing: The instructor is assisted by the two interpreters.

Facilities, equipment, materials: No unique facilities, equipment, or materials are required.

Costs, funding source: The instructor is paid as an adjunct professor and the two sign

language interpreters are paid out of VTEA funding.

Outreach and marketing: Initially there was an effort to reach out to deaf students on campus

to encourage them to enroll in the class. Several have enrolled, but the majority of students are

from the general student population. The program has received community support and an

article on the instructor and his program was published in the local newspaper.

Evidence of effectiveness: The instructor has been well received and retention is high.

Suggestions for replication: Hire qualified instructors from special population groups to

serve as role models whenever possible! They not only inspire students from the same

special population group, but also break down barriers and stereotypes for all other

individuals.

Economically Disadvantaged

Engineering/industrial technology

Central (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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