Study award opens opportunities in Deaf education

One of Megan’s Ko Taku Reo colleagues teaching attentive ākonga. Photo supplied © Ko Taku Reo - Deaf Education New Zealand.

Megan Lynch’s journey in Deaf education has been marked by a profound commitment to Deaf ākonga receiving the support and resources they need to thrive.

As a recipient of the Ministry of Education’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Study Award, Megan’s insights offer valuable lessons for educators seeking to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Megan’s introduction to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Study Award came through her employment at Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education New Zealand.

“I wanted to apply to complete the qualification so that I could develop my knowledge and expertise as a resource teacher of the Deaf and hard of hearing,” she says.

The study award provided Megan with the financial support necessary to pursue the postgraduate qualification and study days, which she found invaluable for focusing on her studies and embracing new learning opportunities.

“Having the study awards available is really important in giving specialist teachers the opportunity to grow and develop their knowledge and skills,” says Megan.

New skills

Reflecting on the impact of the study award on her professional development and practice, Megan highlights the acquisition of new knowledge and skills.

“Examples of new knowledge for me so far in the study include the understanding of how hearing works, audiology, the different types of hearing loss and the impact of hearing loss on our learners in mainstream classes,” she shares.

Moreover, Megan underscores the importance of learning New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) as part of the study award.

“The study award supports me to learn NZSL, which is so important as it is one of our country’s languages and not enough people know NZSL.

“Having the chance to learn NZSL and use the language in my practice is so valuable.”

Looking ahead, Megan outlines her plans to focus on literacy development for Deaf and hard of hearing students, particularly on integrating NZSL to enhance reading comprehension.

“This year, one of the areas I am planning to focus on as part of the practicum paper is literacy for Deaf and hard of hearing learners,” she explains.

“How can we best support our Deaf and hard of hearing learners in literacy development? With a focus on reading and spelling using NZSL to support understanding as well as programmes such as our NZSL fingerspelling programme.”

Inclusion and equity

Megan envisions her efforts contributing to the improvement of educational outcomes for Deaf and hard of hearing students in both mainstream classrooms and the broader community.

She hopes that her exploration and findings will be able to support mainstream teachers in how best to improve literacy outcomes for learners in their classes using NZSL.

Reflecting on the collaborative opportunities facilitated by the study award, Megan highlights the value of networking with fellow educators.

“The study award has given me the opportunity to meet other resource teachers of the Deaf from around Aotearoa as well as other teachers from different specialist areas. Collaborating and sharing together has been a real positive in the study.”

As for her aspirations and goals as an educator, Megan says inclusion and equity for all students in Aotearoa is her guiding principle.

“I want to continue to support Deaf and hard of hearing students, their teachers, and whānau to learn and achieve their goals and aspirations.”

Supporting ākonga with additional learning needs 

Ko Taku Reo ākonga Photo supplied © Ko Taku Reo - Deaf Education New Zealand.

Ko Taku Reo is New Zealand’s provider of education services for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children. They ensure tamariki have what they need to reach their academic potential and enjoy a fulfilling life. Ko Taku Reo guides families through the many language opportunities and education pathways open to tamariki.

Ko Taku Reo school(external link)

Deaf Aotearoa is the national organisation representing the voice of Deaf people and the national service provider for Deaf people in New Zealand.

Deaf Aotearoa(external link)

The Ministry of Education has several learning support study awards and scholarships to develop and grow a workforce with the appropriate specialist skills, knowledge, and qualifications to support children and young people with additional learning needs.

Ministry of Education(external link)