In 1868, the Conference of Superintendents and Principals was founded in order to improve the the management of schools for the deaf. In 1931 the name was changed to its present title, the Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf.

The Conference of Executives collection, which consists of approximately 16,000 pages, dates from 1930-1976. The bulk of the collection is made up of correspondence between Executives.

Issues discussed in the correspondence relate directly to the Conference’s objectives:

To promote the management and operation of schools for the deaf. To further and promote the welfare of the deaf. To promote the professional growth of teachers of the deaf by establishing and maintaining standards through certification procedures and approval of teacher training centers. The Conference of Executives meets annually in various parts of the United States and Canada.

In odd numbered years, the Conference meets alongside the biennial meeting of the American Instructors of the Deaf.

In even numbered years, the Conference meets independently for a five day meeting.

During these five days, comprehensive organizational work is carried out, professional papers are presented and mutual issues in administration are discussed.

Included in the collection are

Executive Correspondence. Preparation and scheduling of meetings and topics to be addressed. Minutes of these regular meetings. In 1931, the Conference of Executives began a program of teacher certification to improve the qualifications of teachers of the deaf throughout the U.S. and Canada.

This program establishes minimum standards of preparation and experience which teachers must attain before granted certification by the Conference.

Along with the certification of teachers, the Conference has organized and promoted a program for improving and training teachers for the deaf. Training centers with college or university affiliations have teacher preparation curricula which meet standards approved by the Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf.

Among the Conference’s papers are correspondence between executives addressing the issue of establishing training centers as well as the establishment of higher standards in accreditation programs.

The American Annals of the Deaf is the official journal of the Conference of Executives and of the American Instructors of the Deaf. Articles accepted for publication cover topics on research in all areas of deafness; medical, educational, psychological, social, as well as vocational rehabilitation, teaching methods, communication and subjects of interest to professionals.

Correspondence related to articles to be published, topics of interest and scheduling and dissemination of the Annals are also included. In order to accomplish its goals, the Conference of Executives has established various committees. Some of these committees, whose correspondence as well as minutes and reports, can be found in this collection are:

Parent Education Public Relations Teacher Training Vocational Education Statistics Legislation Captioned Films Centennial. In 1968, the Conference of Executives celebrated their 100 year anniversary, held at Gallaudet College April 28 May.

Banquet programs, photographs of highlights and momentous can also be found in this collection.

Correspondence from the following can be found in this collection:

Dr. Edmund Boatner Dr. Richard Brill Dr. Daniel Cloud Dr. Powrie Doctor Lloyd Harrison Marshall Hester Ben Hoffmeyer George Pratt Howard Quigley Hugo Schunhoff Roy Stelle Edward Tillinghast