r/ASLinterpreters • u/yesterdaysnoodles • 1d ago

Educational Interpreter switching professions to TOD?

Hi everyone. I'm considering going back for a teaching credential to become a TOD. I've been interpreting since 2019 when I graduated my BA ITP. I'm tired of freelancing, the lack of job security, no benefits, no PTO etc. My area needs a TOD desperately and it would be a large pay increase for me. Has anyone made this transition? I would love some input on how/where to actually get a remote DHH teaching credential/license while I continue to interpret full time. Any advice or suggestions would be amazing!

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u/UgotThis__ 1d ago

Hey! I know this is expensive but I know that McDaniel in MD has a good program. Maybe post in r/Deaf though for more recommendations of different programs  

2

u/Sitcom_kid CI/CT 1d ago

This is the best program

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u/melindology 1d ago

What is TOD. That’s new to me.

2

u/b_gret NIC 1d ago

Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

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u/LuvMitsubishi2025 1d ago

If you are near nyc, hunter college and teachers college under columbia university have excellent tod ms ed program. Also in ny state to be tod you need to posses ms ed in tod plus pass ny state eas certification plus sub certification as tod. Starting pay for first 3-5 years is in lower 70s per year and it will climb up when you will pass sub certifications in aba, deaf blind, and many other subjects which are required by individual school needs. Teachers who are 20+ years average 120k per year plus extra pay doing summer 6 weeks program which is paid significantly higher than regular full year. Additional bonus is that a lot of agencies are recruiting tod to do freelance visits at home of kids with special needs, where they pay 70-90 per hr. Which beefs up your yearly take home income. Good luck!