Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Laycock, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program Support Teacher

Jennifer Laycock’s passion for supporting students who are deaf or hard of hearing started early. As a child, she was mesmerized by American Sign Language (ASL) after seeing it used at a shopping mall. That spark led her to ask for a sign language dictionary for Christmas in high school—and it’s been fueling her journey ever since.

Today, Jennifer serves as the program support teacher for MMSD’s deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) program and visual impairment services, while also supporting the special education team at Hawthorne Elementary School. Her work takes her across multiple sites, coordinating services, conducting assessments and ensuring students who are deaf or hard of hearing receive the individualized supports they need to succeed.

MMSD currently serves around 20 students in center-based DHH programs and more through itinerant services at their neighborhood schools. Support looks different for each—some use ASL, others rely on spoken language or hearing technology, and many benefit from both. MMSD employs its own team of interpreters, DHH-certified teachers and audiologists all of whom work closely with families and educators to design plans that center each student’s strengths and needs.

Jennifer’s deep knowledge of deaf education and special education allows her to meet students where they are. She recalls one student who had been misidentified with an intellectual disability before an assessment revealed he was profoundly deaf and had very limited access to language. Once placed in the right environment with the right supports, his learning took off. Stories like his—of students being seen, heard and celebrated for who they are—are what drive Jennifer’s work.

“I love the signing, of course, but it’s really about helping people understand that deaf and hard of hearing students are just as capable as anyone else,” Jennifer says. “They may learn differently, but they have every bit of the same potential.”

She also emphasizes the importance of building cultural identity and community among students. “Our kids benefit so much from seeing that they’re not alone,” she explains. “Whether it's another student wearing cochlear implants or hearing aids or connecting with peers and adults who sign, those connections help build confidence.”

Her role is both wide-ranging and deeply personal. From early childhood evaluations and IEP meetings to one-on-one instruction and family outreach, Jennifer is constantly juggling responsibilities. But for her, it’s all worth it. “Some days, I’m at three or four schools. It can be hectic, but the variety is energizing—and our students deserve someone who shows up for them.”

She’s also focused on raising awareness. “Our program isn’t always in the spotlight,” she notes. “But we have a long, proud history of serving students who are deaf or hard of hearing, and it’s important people know the resources are here.”

That awareness feels especially timely during National Deaf History Month, observed annually from March 13 to April 15. The month recognizes the contributions of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to society, while also highlighting the importance of language access, equity, and representation—values at the heart of Jennifer’s work every day.

Jennifer credits her background in special education with making her a stronger DHH educator—and vice versa. She sees the two fields as interconnected and mutually enriching. “I feel lucky to have found my way back to deaf education. It was my first love, and it still fills me with purpose every day.”