The next generation of teachers for the deaf
by Belo Cipriani, from buzz magazine's spring 2024 issue
When someone has a wide range of interests, selecting a career path can be quite the journey. For Metro State alum Stevie N. Middlebrook, class of ’23, choosing a major involved meeting professionals from several industries. “My journey of selecting my major was a long one,” she said, “which is why I waited a little too long to complete school. I was contemplating between being a school social worker, personal trainer, or a teacher for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids.”
While exploring the social worker and personal trainer options led to some great insights, in the end, it was motherhood that steered Middlebrook to her career path. “I was already working at a school as a paraprofessional when I was thinking of returning to school, and then after I had my son in 2016, it just clicked that I wanted to become a teacher, especially after being able to teach him myself,” she said.
In addition to having her son be a catalyst to becoming a teacher, Middlebrook is quick to note that her own experiences with the education system also fueled her newfound path. “I did not have a Black teacher until I got into college,” she said. “I also know there is a need for Black Deaf teachers, and I wanted students to have someone who looked like them as they grow up.”
Energized by the company of kids, Middlebrook decided to major in Early Childhood Urban Education, which focuses on birth-to-third-grade instruction. The program had her taking courses in a wide range of topics, such as a course titled Biology, Race, and Racism, and another in children’s literature; the latter being her favorite, as she loves to read chapbooks and perform songs in ASL.
“Jake Knaus was my favorite instructor because he was very understanding and supportive of me as a student and parent,” she said. “He was inclusive and made sure to include important aspects of Deaf children and literature in his classes.”
“While she was not a professor,” Middlebrook continued, “Julie Bauch ran the interpreting program, and she helped give me so much access. She was patient and flexible, always willing to work around my schedule.”
Along with the interpreting services, Middlebrook also credits her academic success to the Metro State Student Parent program. “They had many services to help serve student parents, and I truly appreciated the personalized holiday gifts they gave me and my son,” she said.
In Fall 2023, Middlebrook received the prestigious President’s Outstanding Student Award, a recognition that filled her with joy. “It felt amazing to receive the award because it was a long journey to get to where I am today,” she said. “Throughout my college journey, I had to take time off several times because I needed to take care of my son’s and my needs, to find stability in my life, find a safe home, and to heal from the hardship I was experiencing at that time. But receiving this award showed me that no matter what, if you persevere, you can still accomplish so many things. It is just a reminder that no matter how many people try to block your path and don’t believe in you, it is up to you to pave through it and overcome all of the obstacles.”
As the first Deaf student to receive this award, Middlebrook encourages students with disabilities to be proud of their identity. “Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself; be proactive in your needs, and educate others on your disability,” she said. “Use the resources that Metro State provides; I promise that they will help you in any way that they can.”
After graduating from Metro State, Middlebrook is now working as a first-year 2nd grade teacher at Metro Deaf School, which she loves. She also is happy to have more time for her hobbies, such as salsa dancing. Middlebrook is thinking about grad school, and her future is bright.
Belo Miguel Cipriani is a blind award-winning author and prize-winning journalist. His writing has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, HuffPost, and Business Insider. When he is not writing or editing, he can be found playing with his guide dog, Limo. Learn more at belocipriani.com.