.David Smith, current president of CAL-ED
What is CAL-ED?
CAL-ED is California Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the largest professional organization in the west with approximately 500 registered members. This organization is composed of educators, parents, teacher trainers, interpreters, support staff, professionals, and other persons who are dedicated to the pursuit of educational excellence for Deaf and hard of hearing children. The CAL-ED organization was established in 1960.
CAL-ED is also an affiliated state member of the Council of American Instructors of the Deaf (CAID). As such, our members are provided with the benefits of membership to a respected national organization of teachers of the
Deaf that has been in existence for over 150 years.
The objective of CAL-ED is to support quality education of students who are Deaf or hard of hearing by providing a network of support and information for teachers of students who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
CAL-ED’s philosophy is to not endorse any one particular methodology or idea. Yearly
conferences, alternating between Northern and Southern California, take place.
Conferences draw speakers and session leaders not only from California, but from all over the United States. These people cover a wide spectrum of topics through which we can learn and grow. Topics include, but are not limited to, new methods, procedures, ideas, and technologies.
CAL-ED offers:
Scholarships for deserving teacher trainees.
An annual award recognizing one individual who has shown a commitment to the field of
deaf education.
Eight Area Representatives who collectively keep all members informed of the issues, events, and workshops.
Mini grants awarded for supporting school activities, workshops, and in-services.
A Bi-annual publication called the CAL-ED E-Forum.
Advocates at the state level supporting legislation that will enhance the educational advancement of all Deaf and hard of hearing students.
Welcome to the home page of CAL-ED, California Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Within this site, you will find an overview of our organization, information about the structure of our organization and how to contact our Board Members, a description of our annual conference, various forms our members find useful (including a "Membership Application" for those of you interesting in joining), and much more.
To contact the president of our organization or any of the Board members, please send a message to the following e-mail address:
We're looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Mission Statement of CAL-ED
"The purpose of this organization shall be to support quality education of students who are Deaf or hard of hearing by providing a network of support and information for individuals working with students who are Deaf or hard of hearing with an emphasis in the field of education."
CAL-ED's Position Statement
"While CAL-ED does not advocate the use of any one particular teaching strategy that can be used to ensure the academic success of Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students, the organization recognizes that American Sign Language (ASL) is a distinct language used by members of the American Deaf Culture for the purpose of clear visual communication. It is not a teaching strategy, philosophy or approach. In addition, ASL is not to be confused with Manually Coded English systems which are intended to be manual representations of English for instruction. It is not Total Communication in and of itself, but may be part of a Total Communication approach."
Click on the button below to access a bulletin board, calendar and chat room set up specifically for CAL-ED members.
CAL-ED's by-laws, policies and procedures
This site was last updated on:
06/02/08