Harrisonburg, Virginia (WHSV) – Virginia State School for the Deaf welcomes Virginia educators.

Federal Secretary of Education Amy Gaidella stopped by to learn more about the facility and its needs. This was her first visit to Gaidella’s school.

She said she will apply what she learned today to future decisions.

“You can read about things, you can talk to people on the phone, you can visit websites, but you can meet faculty and students in person and see how their lives are affected by what is happening in the classroom. There’s nothing like watching, especially here,” said Gaidella.

During Wednesday’s tour, the group discussed how the institution is unique. Students learn subjects such as math, science and art, along with Braille and American Sign Language.

The group discussed how the institution is so unique. Students take classes in math, science, English, and art, but also learn Braille and American Sign Language.

On top of that, students take life skills courses that touch on bills, how to pay rent, cooking, and more.

The school is nationally recognized for its real-life readiness, with many students traveling from across the state to study at VSDB.

“This is just a treasure and a very important resource for our families and students across the Commonwealth. We have had the opportunity to meet children across the Commonwealth, all the way from Stanton to Woodbridge to Roanoke,” Gaidella said. Told.

During the tour, the staff talked about the highs and lows of their jobs. Some struggles are hiring. Finding staff who are dedicated to the subject matter and trained to teach deaf or blind students can be difficult.

The staff and the students said they were really looking forward to the blind soccer game with the Maryland School for the Blind.The game he is on October 6th at 1:30pm

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