In a profession that evolves as rapidly as deaf education, there is something grounding about belonging to an organization that has always been part of the conversation.  I recently posted a conversation on YouTube about CAID, an organization that I am proud to be a part of.  You can view it HERE.

The Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf (CAID) is not new, trendy, or reactive. It is foundational. Established in 1850, CAID has quietly—but consistently—shaped how deaf and hard of hearing children are educated in the United States and beyond.

Today, CAID stands at a meaningful intersection: honoring its historic role while intentionally adapting to the realities of modern service delivery.

A Profession Built on Dialogue, Not Dogma

CAID began as a convention—a gathering of educators from six early schools for the deaf, including the American School for the Deaf. From the very beginning, its purpose was clear:

....to promote the education of deaf children along the broadest, most advanced, and most practical lines.

That phrasing still matters.

During eras of intense debate—manualism versus oralism, the fallout of the Milan Conference of 1880, and the rise of organizations promoting singular methodologies—CAID served as a space for professional dialogue rather than rigid allegiance. Teachers could debate, question, and refine practice together, grounded in the shared goal of student success.

That commitment to professional discourse continues today.

The Journal That Carried the Field Forward

One of CAID’s most enduring contributions is its connection to the American Annals of the Deaf, first published in 1847 and still one of the most respected peer-reviewed journals in deaf education worldwide. For generations, this publication captured:

• instructional practices

• philosophical discussions

• research shaping classroom decisions

CAID members have long served as contributors, reviewers, and editors—ensuring that research stays connected to practice, not siloed from it.

When the Field Changed—CAID Had to Change Too

As deaf education shifted away from residential schools toward local districts and itinerant service models, something unexpected happened: many teachers simply stopped hearing about CAID.

By 2021, membership had declined so dramatically that the organization faced the possibility of dissolving—not because it lacked relevance, but because it hadn’t yet adapted to how educators now work.

That moment became a turning point.

Rather than letting nearly two centuries of professional history fade away, CAID committed to renewal—without abandoning its roots. 

What CAID Looks Like Today

CAID today is member-run, practitioner-driven, and intentionally inclusive. Its focus is not day-to-day lesson planning, but the bigger picture: professional identity, collaboration, advocacy, and leadership.

Some of its most impactful features include:

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

SIGs allow educators, interpreters, administrators, and related service professionals to come together around shared areas of focus—such as itinerant services, Deaf + Autism, virtual teaching, interpreter support, and administration. These groups don’t just talk; they create resources, white papers, and tools that influence practice nationally.

Research Summaries

CAID translates dense research into practical, digestible summaries—connecting evidence to implementation without requiring educators to wade through 40-page journal articles.

The Workload Calculator

One of CAID’s most practical tools, the workload calculator accounts for what educators actually do: travel time, IEP meetings, evaluations, consultation, equipment checks, and documentation. For many teachers, it has become a powerful tool for advocacy and sustainability.

Grants, Awards, and Recognition

CAID offers real financial support—grants and awards that recognize excellence and innovation in deaf education, including support for itinerant and center-based professionals.

A Reimagined Virtual Conference Model

CAID’s flipped virtual conferences combine on-demand expert training with live application and networking sessions—preserving the practicality of virtual learning while restoring the collaborative energy educators value most.

Why CAID Still Matters

Being part of CAID is not about nostalgia. It is about continuity.

When you join CAID, you are stepping into a professional lineage that stretches back to Thomas Gallaudet—and into a forward-thinking community actively shaping what deaf education becomes next.

In a time when teachers are isolated, workloads are heavy, and expectations are rising, CAID offers something increasingly rare:
a national professional home that values history, collaboration, and thoughtful progress.

After 175 years, that is no small thing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAID HERE

SUBSCRIBE TO THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL 

Frequently Asked Questions About CAID (Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf)

What is CAID?

The Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf (CAID) is a national professional organization founded in 1850 to support, advance, and advocate for the education of deaf and hard of hearing students through professional collaboration, research, and leadership.

When was CAID founded?

CAID was founded in 1850, making it one of the oldest continuously operating professional organizations in deaf education in the world.

Who can join CAID?

CAID membership is open to teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing, itinerant teachers, administrators, interpreters, university faculty, researchers, and other professionals who support deaf and hard of hearing students.

Why is CAID important in deaf education?

CAID has played a central role in shaping deaf education for over 175 years, providing a forum for professional dialogue, influencing instructional practices, supporting research, and representing the field at a national level.

How is CAID different from state or regional organizations?

While state and regional organizations focus on local professional development, CAID provides a national professional home—supporting cross-state collaboration, national advocacy, leadership opportunities, grants, and research-driven resources.

What are CAID Special Interest Groups (SIGs)?

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are member-led communities within CAID focused on specific areas such as itinerant services, Deaf Plus Autism, virtual teaching, interpreter support, and administration. SIGs develop tools, resources, and national guidance documents.

Does CAID offer professional development?

Yes. CAID offers virtual conferences, research summaries, SIG-led learning opportunities, and application-focused professional development designed to support both early-career and veteran professionals.

How does CAID support itinerant teachers of the deaf?

CAID supports itinerant teachers through SIGs, research summaries, advocacy tools, and the workload calculator, which helps educators document actual workload demands beyond direct service minutes.

What is the CAID workload calculator?

The CAID workload calculator is a tool that accounts for direct service, travel time, IEP meetings, evaluations, consultation, documentation, and equipment management, helping educators advocate for sustainable and appropriate caseloads.

Does CAID provide grants or awards?

Yes. CAID offers grants and professional awards that recognize excellence and innovation in deaf education and provide financial support to educators in the field.

What is CAID’s connection to the American Annals of the Deaf?

CAID has a long-standing relationship with the American Annals of the Deaf, one of the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed journals in deaf education. CAID members contribute as authors, reviewers, and editors.

Is CAID relevant in modern deaf education?

Absolutely. While rooted in history, CAID has intentionally evolved to meet modern realities—supporting itinerant models, virtual instruction, interdisciplinary collaboration, and contemporary research-to-practice needs.

How much does CAID membership cost?

CAID membership is affordable, and in many cases membership plus conference registration costs less than conference attendance alone—making it accessible for educators at all career stages.

Why should teachers of the deaf join CAID today?

Joining CAID connects educators to a 175-year professional legacy, while offering modern tools, national collaboration, leadership opportunities, and a collective voice shaping the future of deaf education.