Mike Lupo

Mike Lupo is an accomplished educator and advocate with more than 25 years of experience advancing equitable, language-rich learning environments for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. He holds undergraduate degrees in Deaf Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, and the Teaching of Second Languages. His diverse professional background includes seven years of university teaching, four years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and five years as the owner of a technology business---experiences that give him a unique interdisciplinary understanding on language acquisition, accessibility, and educational innovation. Mike's leadership extends across state and national organizations, having served as President of North Carolina Self Help for the Hard of Hearing. Vice President and President of the North Carolina Association for the Deaf, and a founding board member of North Carolina American Sign Language Teachers Association. He is also a certified member of the American Sign Language Teacher Association and contributes nationally through organizations such as the National Association of the Deaf, the American Society for Deaf Children, and the American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages.

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A lifelong champion of bilingual ASL-English education, Mike is driven by a deep understanding of how accessible language shapes healthy brain development, social-emotional wellbeing, and academic success. His mission centers on ensuring that Deaf children have full access to both American Sign Language and English i environments where they can develop cognitive skills, identity, and confidence without barriers. As Associate Director of Language First and a respected leader in Deaf education, he envisions schools where Deaf and hearing children learn side-by-side using both languages fluidly creating spaces where Deaf students are fully included, engaged, and empowered. Mike's leadership is grounded in expertise, compassion and unwavering commitment to unlocking the potential of every Deaf child through high-quality bilingual education.