A “Lucky One” Remembers

Dr. Rachel Stone began work as the new superintendent of the California School for the Deaf–Riverside in March. The deaf daughter of deaf parents, Stone graduated from the North Carolina School for the Deaf, earned her college degree and her doctorate from Gallaudet University, and earned her master’s degree from Western Maryland College. She taught deaf children in Washington, D.C., and in Indiana School for the Deaf, and hearing and deaf students at Western Maryland College in Westminster, Maryland.

WAY: How do you feel about moving to California? Stone: Very excited. The position is a big challenge! WAY: How do you feel about your success? Stone: I’m proud of where I am now, but getting here was an experience of struggle. WAY: Tell us about your education. Stone: When I was young, education was oral—and it was watered down for deaf students. Only a handful of teachers signed. WAY: You don’t feel oral education was helpful? Stone: No, I was one of the lucky ones who survived and achieved. WAY: What was the turning point for you? Stone: College. Before that, I learned on my own through reading and interacting with deaf people who were intellectual and educated. WAY: Did you enjoy college? Stone: Yes, but it was tough. I had to catch up with all that I had missed. WAY: Are you married? Stone: Oh, yes. I have three daughters—two deaf and one
hearing. They are almost grown up now! WAY: What is the most important thing about education for deaf students? Stone: I believe each student should have the maximum. We should tap all the means we can to help students learn. And learning should be fun. WAY: What were the most important experiences in your life? Stone: So many things…The most important in-tern al force was the strength of my family and parents. The most important outside force was deaf role models and their hearing allies.
WAY: What is the role of schools for the deaf in today’s world? Stone: Every school has its own design—climate, organization, and staff—a unique personality. I would like to see us raise academic standards. WAY: Is that your goal as superintendent? Stone: Yes, one of my goals. I can help the school measure up and close the academic gap between the majority—hearing students—and the minority—our deaf students. At the same time, it is important to recognize the culture and language of the minority and use language and culture to educate students to become full participating members of society.

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