The British Association of Teachers of the Deaf  (BATOD) is the only association representing the interests of teachers of deaf children and young people in the United Kingdom. It includes in its membership representatives from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and from all the many branches of the profession as well as colleagues from overseas.

BATOD promotes the educational interests of all deaf children, young people and adults and safeguards the interests of Teachers of the Deaf. Additional information about the Association and matters related to the education of deaf children and their teachers is available elsewhere on this website.

BATOD works in many areas to represent Teachers of the Deaf and their colleagues. If you wish to become a member you can sign up from here, an associate membership is available to those who are not qualified Teachers of the Deaf.

Aims

• To promote the education of all deaf children, young persons and adults.
• To advance the status of Teachers of the Deaf.
• To ensure and enhance the high quality of mandatory training of Teachers of the Deaf, and their continuing professional development.

Objectives

• Fostering and disseminating good practice.
• Providing a platform for independent research.
• Informing and responding to legislation relating to deaf learners.
• Actively influencing those agencies which govern the legislation, pay and conditions of Teachers of the Deaf.
• Representing the Association on relevant national organisations.
• Providing promotional, publicity and information materials related the profession.
• Providing conferences, short courses and workshops for members and interested parties.
• Contributing to the development and quality assurance of all mandatory courses for Teachers of the Deaf.
• Enabling competent and effective teachers, especially young teachers, to join the profession.
• Influencing the SEN element in Initial Teacher Education so that NQTs (Newly Qualified Teachers) have positive attitudes towards deaf pupils.

BATOD works for Teachers of the Deaf, Educational Audiologists, Learning Support Assistants and other associated professionals