College of Education reverses decision on Deaf student's use of an interpreter to attain teaching degree
After a petition, local media coverage and legislation introduced by the Student Government Association, one student’s degree is no longer at risk.
The College of Education at Central Michigan University has reversed its decision regarding Deaf elementary education student Kelly Laatsch’s use of an interpreter to complete her student teaching requirements.
The original decision, first reported by Central Michigan Life, threatened Laatsch's student teaching graduation.
“I’m so relieved. It feels like thousands of pounds have been lifted off my shoulders,” the Freeland senior said. “Nobody deserves to have the feeling I’ve had for months. It was absolutely draining, but now I can focus on what most other student teachers are doing during their student teaching experience.”
Laatsch has been Deaf since birth and uses cochlear implants to speak and hear more clearly. While she is able to speak in English, her hearing isn’t as good as that of a hearing person, so Laatsch requested the use of an interpreter while completing her student teaching at a Saginaw elementary school.
Upon her request, Laatsch was told by Director of Student Teaching Karen Edwards that if she were to utilize an interpreter throughout her entire time as a student teacher, she wouldn’t pass her student teaching requirements.
At about 1 p.m. Tuesday, Laatsch was teaching in Saginaw when she received a call from Renee Papelian, director of ProfEd and assistant to the dean of the Center for Student Services in the College of Education and Human Services, saying the decision had been reversed. Papelian also emailed Laatsch a statement.
"You will be eligible for your Elementary Michigan Provisional Certification upon your successful completion of your student teaching," the email stated. "The use of an interpreter in the classroom for the entire student teaching experience will not exclude you from being eligible to apply for your Elementary Michigan Provisional teaching license.”
The Student Government Association proposed and passed a resolution on Tuesday that called on CMU to review the College of Education’s decision to deny Laatsch the ability to earn her teaching degree.
“I am very pleased that the university has made the right decision and reversed the decision about Kelly," said SGA President Vince Cavataio, a Shelby Township senior. "I wish Kelly the best of luck in continuing her teaching program."
Laatsch said she is thankful the situation is resolved, but is wary of the good news.
"It's really hard to trust (the College of Education) now," she said. "I really hope they learned from this situation and don't do this again to others. It's been an experience for everybody involved. I'm just very relieved"
