Kudos to you for setting up this premise that to qualify to teach ASL, the person MUST be involved in the community somehow. however, I feel this is not good enough. That person must contribute something positively to the Deaf community. I just made a video and its uploaded today.
@aslnikki Have you considered that my students skills are my contribution to the Deaf community? I have had so many Deaf people tell me they go into restuarants and stores in the area and are so excited when they find an employee who is one of my students and can communicate with them in ASL. I have a number of students who have gone on to major in Deaf Education, ASL, Deaf Studies, audiology, speech pathology, and other services for the Deaf Community that they learned in my classroom.
Yep....I have my students do "Outside Activities" each quarter...required to get out in the Deaf community, attend an event, observe an interpreter working, interview a D/HH person..use ASL with D/HH/DB people. Take care!! Shelllium
Not enough Deaf Teachers / Professors to help us TRY to understand the complexities of both the language and the culture. Text books and the internet can not replace a live person who is excited to teach, qualified to teach, and willing to put in the effort above and beyond.
Don't know how this will be resolved, in your case in point, or for adult students wanting to become ASL Interpreters.
TY for your post, great signing, I would enjoy YOU being my teacher! Hope things work out!! PEACE
so, now my quandry is WHERE do I go to learn? This is an affordable college ... yes, IF I can get financial help, I might be able to go to a private college/university, tho they are pretty far away from my home, long commute.
Your concern of not having enough qualified ASL teachers for children is incredibly important... as it is also important to have qualified ASL teachers to teach Hearing college students to BECOME teachers or Interpreters. I live in MA - lots of Deaf people, but...
(cont'd) in order to at least have any REAL understanding of what it means to be Deaf and how the language is essential to the culture.
On the topic of Hearing / Deaf teachers. As a student, I want Deaf teachers. Who know how to teach! Who want to teach, and also reach out to the students, perhaps sharing a bit of their lives with us, as they are our first introduction (for many) into the Deaf World. Due to budget cuts, this college has lost their Deaf teachers, as well as Hearing ones.....
(cont'd) with the Deaf Community in Boston, with the Boston Deaf Professionals Happy Hour. I made up fliers for my classmates and posted on the Deaf Studies main board. Not a single person from my class was there, at least by the time I left, at 10pm. WOW, it was an incredible night, met wonderful people, and had chance to use what I've learned, and gain more knowledge by seeing so many different native ASL users.
Yes, one HAS TO be involved with the Deaf Community ... (cont'd)
When I was studying before, 8 yrs ago, there was not this total dependence on technology to teach us. The "kids" in the class of course have grown up with this, so don't really know the difference. For me, after studying this language off and on since High School (adult ed classes after school, by a HORRIBLE hearing teacher, sadly), I see that there is NOT as much social interaction either in the classroom or out of it. This past weekend was an excellent opportunity to socialize (cont'd)
(cont'd) When I became VERY SICK with cancer and other illnesses. That was in 2002. Now, am going back to same college, and, sadly, there is only ONE Deaf teacher for the entire DEAF STUDIES program! B4 there were five! Not all teachers, Hearing or Deaf, are the best in the world. Mine is good, but I feel that books and internet have taken over actual classroom interaction. It could be the students or teacher, or just that technology seems to have taken over everything. (cont'd...)
Wonderful vlog and commentary, thank you for posting. Presently I am student at a Community College in MA. I am hearing, learning ASL to become an Interpreter. This has been a goal of mine since a child. Now I am 46. My life choices went in different directions for a number of years, and when I decided to dedicate my life to learning this incredible language, I had only started (two years, one with small-group private Deaf teacher, then 6 months at College with Deaf teacher), when I became ...
I would go so far as to say that ASL teachers should be certified by the aslta (American Sign Language Teachers Association). Like you said, there are many who teach who are not good with the language. Requiring schools and universities to go through the aslta would result in better use and understanding of the culture and language. And, yes, most of the certified ASL teachers are Deaf (at least through the aslta). I really enjoyed your video!
Thanks! Unfortunately in my state (Texas), they don't recognize ASLTA. The state has it's own ASL teacher certification for K-12, and I believe each individual college or university decides if someone is "qualified" to teach ASL. So I am currently not ASLTA certified (working on it, lots of time-consuming paperwork), but I am Texas-state certified.
That's part of the problem. Universities and colleges and their boards, who have no understanding (not all, but most, especially the ones I've seen or experienced or have been to) of Deaf and the best way to educate young Deaf children. Fortuneately, the bi-lingual approach is gaining ground and the success it brings will dwarf any other method. There aren't enough "qualified" people to begin with. Good luck with the ASLTA. Whether recognized or not, it really is the cream of the crop.
Also, don't take my comments as directed towards you. You obviously have a heart for the Deaf, which is wonderful. Many get into the field for the wrong reasons - pity, their own self-esteem, wanting to "help", etc. All of these further oppress an already oppressed community. Raising up Deaf leaders is the goal. Again, thanks for posting the video.
I love the language itself... that is where my heart is. :) And what bothers me is people, whether hearing or Deaf, who "teach ASL"... but can't tell me what a classifier is, how adverbs are shown in ASL, or recognize the basic grammatical structure of the language. If we are going to recognize it as a language, then teachers of the language need to be held to the same standards as any other language teacher.
I know what you mean about the "not knowing what a classifier is." I'm an interpreter at a middle school. The deaf ed. teacher that I work with uses SEE with all of the students as do the other interpreters. This year when I was hired I told them that I used ASL. They were fine with this but one day when I was talking with one of the students, she was telling me about one of the Pixar short story movies that doesn't use any words.
cont: Since it didn't have any words she was having a hard time explaining it in SEE so she just dropped the English and started using classifiers. Afterwards the deaf ed. said, "that's funny that she dropped all language and only used classifiers." I looked at her and said, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! That's the first time that she has actually USED the language!!! Classifiers ARE ASL. SEE is just a code." She replied, "Well I don't know if I think you're right."...And she is supposedly my superior
BTW... even though I don't teach Deaf children, I believe the bi/bi approach is the best... in a perfect world. The problem lies in Deaf children not having a full first language before we teach them the second one. Blame the hearing parents unwilling to learn ASL... which is exactly why I have a degree in Deaf Ed, but don't teach Deaf children. By teaching ASL I hope that I can spread awareness through my students.
And for the record, the bi/bi approach works. My students skills are proof of it. I use what I learned in my bi/bi Deaf Ed program (in which I earned my degree) and I simply reverse it. I use what my students know in English (what is a noun, a verb, grammar rules, etc) and I use it to teach ASL. My students are highly successful... so thanks Lamar University and bi/bi education! :)
Oh, yes I agree. I was lucky that my ASL teacher in high school was not like that. She encouraged everyone to go to Deaf events and socialize with the Deaf students in class. A lot of the Deaf students were TA's in the ASL classes too. Although, I find it weird that the ASL teacher and the head of the Deaf and HH program didn't really like each other. I think it was conflicting teaching styles...I was recently accepted into the interpreting program at my school. So excited!
you make a great point about needing to socialize with deaf people.. If I want to learn spanish and culture.. I must socialize with spanish speaking people to really learn the language deeply and the culture. you are right.
Omg I know what you mean. my ASL teacher is actually hearing. She does not voice though so we have to figure out what she is saying. I love it. It makes it easier for us not to voice when signing.
I agree with the points you made, KT, hearing ASL teachers should be involved in the community, socials, etc! But as some have said before, just because a person is Deaf, doesn't mean they're automatically qualified to teach ASL. To make a comparison, I know PLENTY of English speakers who don't know the difference between an adjective and an adverb.They need to study the language. I agree there should be more Deaf ASL teachers but only if they know how to TEACH the language, not just sign it.
Excellent video! We have a desperate need for good ASL teachers here in Wichita, KS. We need more interpreters. We do not have enough qualified terps. We do pay pretty good for a med sized town for 500k people. Sad to say but our last terp training program (college) closed last summer. Only terp training program left is in Kansas City! You sign pretty good!
I appreciate your thoughts on hearing ASL teachers. I have been hired to teach ASL at a high school next fall. I have been an interpreter for 15 years and have a degree in Deaf Communications as well as a teaching degree. I almost feel guilty taking the position, because I'm know a Deaf person would be much more qualified. But, I know I can do it! I socialize with Deaf, have Deaf friends, but none are certified teachers! The teacher I am replacing doesn't know ASL, but is using a book.
What makes a Deaf person "much more qualified"? Because they are Deaf? You said it yourself, the Deaf people you socialize with aren't certified teachers. Bingo... not qualified. Just because I'm hearing it doesn't mean I'm less qualified than a Deaf person. It just means I need to show respect and understand that it isn't my language or culture. Rule #1 as a hearing ASL teacher... DON'T GIVE YOUR STUDENTS SIGN NAMES! Big pet peeve of mine. Rule 2... BRING DEAF PEOPLE INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
Rule 3... continue to study and learn so you have good,updated information for your students... they deserve it! Rule 4... teach with enthusiasm and passion! If you are passionate about your subject, your students will be, too. And Rule 5... HAVE FUN! If it isn't fun for you, don't do it. Good luck in your new teaching position! :)
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I only meant that Deaf people are more qualified if ASL in their "native" language, just like someone who grew up speaking Spanish would be better at it than someone who learned it in school. But you're right, I do show a lot of respect, and am very excited about starting! I will try to bring Deaf people in as often as possible, continue to study and become more involved in the Deaf community.
I can agree that "native" ASL users could possibly be more qualified than me... but there are probably some native ASL users that would be more qualified than me to teach English, and that is my native language. I think it's a matter of studying and learning and being true to the language and culture you teach... studying it in school is more important in my opinion. And you touched on a rule I mention in my vlog but forgot here! Socializing with the Deaf community is very important, too!!! :)
Thanks so much! I will do that! This is my first teaching job and I'm really looking forward to it! As I said, the person teaching it now is a Latin teacher, who took a continuing education class in sigh!!!!! AGHHH. I am thrilled to be doing it after having been an interpreter for 15 years. It will be a nice change!
I appreciate what you are saying because you are trying to show you have a 'good attitude'. It is also true that preference should be given to Deaf ASL teachers, not hearing people who learn the language and have 'hearing privilege' and see no harm in teaching this language (at the expense of Deaf teachers). It would be interesting to post this on DeafRead (dot) com... Wonder what Deaf folks would say... --Just because it happens doesn't mean it should be happening as much as it does...
I'm sorry, but I respectfully disagree. Does this mean that only people of Spanish-speaking decent should teach Spanish? What about those that teach Latin? Do they need to trace their history to ancient Rome? Why should the Deaf community restrict themselves to only teaching? Why can't they go off and do great things and leave the ASL teaching to us "lowly hearies"? As long as we hearies respect the culture and language is not ours, I don't see anything wrong with the fact that I teach ASL.
You're right. You don't see anything wrong with it. We have all heard this before... I just hope that hearing ASL teachers work to expand the number of Deaf ASL teachers, as there are many who are capable, but do not have the supports needed.
Please tell me where to find the "many who are capable"... in my area I know of at least 6-10 current schools desperately looking for qualified ASL teachers, and there aren't any. You would think in a city of 4 million...... So if you know any, send them my way! I'll be glad to help them find employment.
I happen to think Obrien is spot on with her comments. You obviously did not understand what she said...she never said hearing can't teach ASL...all she said is that because you teach ASL does not make you Deaf and you are still to respect the culture, the language, and maintain the responsibilty of interacting with the Deaf community...keeping your skills real and true. Never did she say you MUST be Deaf to teach ASL.
I really enjoyed your vlog. For someone who is hearing and a teacher, your ASL was very clear. Very clear for me means I immediately understood about 90% of what you signed. My lack of receptive skill, not yours. I would be honered to learn ASL from you. But you are right, we are still hearing and must respect the fact that no matter how good we get, we are not native signers. All ASL teachers MUST be absolutely fluent.
I am hearing & in the Deaf Ed program at my college now. I plan on becoming a Deaf Educator; I interact as much as I can with the Deaf community, but as you touched on, we're hearing, not Deaf, we can't understand completely. I don't know that this is a topic of contention but rather concern, as I. King Jordan said, "There will always be a need for non-deaf people to understand the Deaf." The standards for Deaf Educators should be higher, the understanding of the ASL should be tops to teach.
hearing teachers of ASL!?!?! wow, that's so weird to me. you would hardly EVER find a hearing teacher where I live, it's just NOT the way things are done. I hear there are a number of hearing teachers of ASL across the US -- is that controversial at all? I remember seeing a post where gnarlydork talked about that, and that *seemed* to be a point of contention.
In Texas, most of the teachers in high schools that I have met are hearing. While many of them are competent, many are also not. When I ask them if they socialize with Deaf, they almost always say no. That drives me crazy! It's not our culture and language and we need to respect that.
awesome vlog, enjoyed it very much. Totally true
DaveASL 5 months ago
Kudos to you for setting up this premise that to qualify to teach ASL, the person MUST be involved in the community somehow. however, I feel this is not good enough. That person must contribute something positively to the Deaf community. I just made a video and its uploaded today.
aslnikki 1 year ago
@aslnikki Have you considered that my students skills are my contribution to the Deaf community? I have had so many Deaf people tell me they go into restuarants and stores in the area and are so excited when they find an employee who is one of my students and can communicate with them in ASL. I have a number of students who have gone on to major in Deaf Education, ASL, Deaf Studies, audiology, speech pathology, and other services for the Deaf Community that they learned in my classroom.
obriensign 1 year ago 3
Hi obriensign~
Fun to see your vlog!
Yep....I have my students do "Outside Activities" each quarter...required to get out in the Deaf community, attend an event, observe an interpreter working, interview a D/HH person..use ASL with D/HH/DB people. Take care!! Shelllium
CBCASL 1 year ago
Not enough Deaf Teachers / Professors to help us TRY to understand the complexities of both the language and the culture. Text books and the internet can not replace a live person who is excited to teach, qualified to teach, and willing to put in the effort above and beyond.
Don't know how this will be resolved, in your case in point, or for adult students wanting to become ASL Interpreters.
TY for your post, great signing, I would enjoy YOU being my teacher! Hope things work out!! PEACE
connierc1 1 year ago
so, now my quandry is WHERE do I go to learn? This is an affordable college ... yes, IF I can get financial help, I might be able to go to a private college/university, tho they are pretty far away from my home, long commute.
Your concern of not having enough qualified ASL teachers for children is incredibly important... as it is also important to have qualified ASL teachers to teach Hearing college students to BECOME teachers or Interpreters. I live in MA - lots of Deaf people, but...
connierc1 1 year ago
(cont'd) in order to at least have any REAL understanding of what it means to be Deaf and how the language is essential to the culture.
On the topic of Hearing / Deaf teachers. As a student, I want Deaf teachers. Who know how to teach! Who want to teach, and also reach out to the students, perhaps sharing a bit of their lives with us, as they are our first introduction (for many) into the Deaf World. Due to budget cuts, this college has lost their Deaf teachers, as well as Hearing ones.....
connierc1 1 year ago
(cont'd) with the Deaf Community in Boston, with the Boston Deaf Professionals Happy Hour. I made up fliers for my classmates and posted on the Deaf Studies main board. Not a single person from my class was there, at least by the time I left, at 10pm. WOW, it was an incredible night, met wonderful people, and had chance to use what I've learned, and gain more knowledge by seeing so many different native ASL users.
Yes, one HAS TO be involved with the Deaf Community ... (cont'd)
connierc1 1 year ago
When I was studying before, 8 yrs ago, there was not this total dependence on technology to teach us. The "kids" in the class of course have grown up with this, so don't really know the difference. For me, after studying this language off and on since High School (adult ed classes after school, by a HORRIBLE hearing teacher, sadly), I see that there is NOT as much social interaction either in the classroom or out of it. This past weekend was an excellent opportunity to socialize (cont'd)
connierc1 1 year ago
(cont'd) When I became VERY SICK with cancer and other illnesses. That was in 2002. Now, am going back to same college, and, sadly, there is only ONE Deaf teacher for the entire DEAF STUDIES program! B4 there were five! Not all teachers, Hearing or Deaf, are the best in the world. Mine is good, but I feel that books and internet have taken over actual classroom interaction. It could be the students or teacher, or just that technology seems to have taken over everything. (cont'd...)
connierc1 1 year ago
Wonderful vlog and commentary, thank you for posting. Presently I am student at a Community College in MA. I am hearing, learning ASL to become an Interpreter. This has been a goal of mine since a child. Now I am 46. My life choices went in different directions for a number of years, and when I decided to dedicate my life to learning this incredible language, I had only started (two years, one with small-group private Deaf teacher, then 6 months at College with Deaf teacher), when I became ...
connierc1 1 year ago
I would go so far as to say that ASL teachers should be certified by the aslta (American Sign Language Teachers Association). Like you said, there are many who teach who are not good with the language. Requiring schools and universities to go through the aslta would result in better use and understanding of the culture and language. And, yes, most of the certified ASL teachers are Deaf (at least through the aslta). I really enjoyed your video!
ASLSongJukebox 2 years ago
Thanks! Unfortunately in my state (Texas), they don't recognize ASLTA. The state has it's own ASL teacher certification for K-12, and I believe each individual college or university decides if someone is "qualified" to teach ASL. So I am currently not ASLTA certified (working on it, lots of time-consuming paperwork), but I am Texas-state certified.
obriensign 2 years ago
That's part of the problem. Universities and colleges and their boards, who have no understanding (not all, but most, especially the ones I've seen or experienced or have been to) of Deaf and the best way to educate young Deaf children. Fortuneately, the bi-lingual approach is gaining ground and the success it brings will dwarf any other method. There aren't enough "qualified" people to begin with. Good luck with the ASLTA. Whether recognized or not, it really is the cream of the crop.
ASLSongJukebox 2 years ago
Also, don't take my comments as directed towards you. You obviously have a heart for the Deaf, which is wonderful. Many get into the field for the wrong reasons - pity, their own self-esteem, wanting to "help", etc. All of these further oppress an already oppressed community. Raising up Deaf leaders is the goal. Again, thanks for posting the video.
ASLSongJukebox 2 years ago
I love the language itself... that is where my heart is. :) And what bothers me is people, whether hearing or Deaf, who "teach ASL"... but can't tell me what a classifier is, how adverbs are shown in ASL, or recognize the basic grammatical structure of the language. If we are going to recognize it as a language, then teachers of the language need to be held to the same standards as any other language teacher.
obriensign 2 years ago
I know what you mean about the "not knowing what a classifier is." I'm an interpreter at a middle school. The deaf ed. teacher that I work with uses SEE with all of the students as do the other interpreters. This year when I was hired I told them that I used ASL. They were fine with this but one day when I was talking with one of the students, she was telling me about one of the Pixar short story movies that doesn't use any words.
bluej22 2 years ago
cont: Since it didn't have any words she was having a hard time explaining it in SEE so she just dropped the English and started using classifiers. Afterwards the deaf ed. said, "that's funny that she dropped all language and only used classifiers." I looked at her and said, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! That's the first time that she has actually USED the language!!! Classifiers ARE ASL. SEE is just a code." She replied, "Well I don't know if I think you're right."...And she is supposedly my superior
bluej22 2 years ago
BTW... even though I don't teach Deaf children, I believe the bi/bi approach is the best... in a perfect world. The problem lies in Deaf children not having a full first language before we teach them the second one. Blame the hearing parents unwilling to learn ASL... which is exactly why I have a degree in Deaf Ed, but don't teach Deaf children. By teaching ASL I hope that I can spread awareness through my students.
obriensign 2 years ago
And for the record, the bi/bi approach works. My students skills are proof of it. I use what I learned in my bi/bi Deaf Ed program (in which I earned my degree) and I simply reverse it. I use what my students know in English (what is a noun, a verb, grammar rules, etc) and I use it to teach ASL. My students are highly successful... so thanks Lamar University and bi/bi education! :)
obriensign 2 years ago
Oh, yes I agree. I was lucky that my ASL teacher in high school was not like that. She encouraged everyone to go to Deaf events and socialize with the Deaf students in class. A lot of the Deaf students were TA's in the ASL classes too. Although, I find it weird that the ASL teacher and the head of the Deaf and HH program didn't really like each other. I think it was conflicting teaching styles...I was recently accepted into the interpreting program at my school. So excited!
kreiger 2 years ago
you make a great point about needing to socialize with deaf people.. If I want to learn spanish and culture.. I must socialize with spanish speaking people to really learn the language deeply and the culture. you are right.
HappytoSign 2 years ago
Omg I know what you mean. my ASL teacher is actually hearing. She does not voice though so we have to figure out what she is saying. I love it. It makes it easier for us not to voice when signing.
ButterflyKisses1991 2 years ago
I agree with the points you made, KT, hearing ASL teachers should be involved in the community, socials, etc! But as some have said before, just because a person is Deaf, doesn't mean they're automatically qualified to teach ASL. To make a comparison, I know PLENTY of English speakers who don't know the difference between an adjective and an adverb.They need to study the language. I agree there should be more Deaf ASL teachers but only if they know how to TEACH the language, not just sign it.
lilcherubx 3 years ago
Excellent video! We have a desperate need for good ASL teachers here in Wichita, KS. We need more interpreters. We do not have enough qualified terps. We do pay pretty good for a med sized town for 500k people. Sad to say but our last terp training program (college) closed last summer. Only terp training program left is in Kansas City! You sign pretty good!
TedH71 3 years ago
I appreciate your thoughts on hearing ASL teachers. I have been hired to teach ASL at a high school next fall. I have been an interpreter for 15 years and have a degree in Deaf Communications as well as a teaching degree. I almost feel guilty taking the position, because I'm know a Deaf person would be much more qualified. But, I know I can do it! I socialize with Deaf, have Deaf friends, but none are certified teachers! The teacher I am replacing doesn't know ASL, but is using a book.
imcharley 3 years ago
What makes a Deaf person "much more qualified"? Because they are Deaf? You said it yourself, the Deaf people you socialize with aren't certified teachers. Bingo... not qualified. Just because I'm hearing it doesn't mean I'm less qualified than a Deaf person. It just means I need to show respect and understand that it isn't my language or culture. Rule #1 as a hearing ASL teacher... DON'T GIVE YOUR STUDENTS SIGN NAMES! Big pet peeve of mine. Rule 2... BRING DEAF PEOPLE INTO YOUR CLASSROOM
obriensign 3 years ago
Rule 3... continue to study and learn so you have good,updated information for your students... they deserve it! Rule 4... teach with enthusiasm and passion! If you are passionate about your subject, your students will be, too. And Rule 5... HAVE FUN! If it isn't fun for you, don't do it. Good luck in your new teaching position! :)
obriensign 3 years ago
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I only meant that Deaf people are more qualified if ASL in their "native" language, just like someone who grew up speaking Spanish would be better at it than someone who learned it in school. But you're right, I do show a lot of respect, and am very excited about starting! I will try to bring Deaf people in as often as possible, continue to study and become more involved in the Deaf community.
Thanks you so much. I needed that!
imcharley 3 years ago
I can agree that "native" ASL users could possibly be more qualified than me... but there are probably some native ASL users that would be more qualified than me to teach English, and that is my native language. I think it's a matter of studying and learning and being true to the language and culture you teach... studying it in school is more important in my opinion. And you touched on a rule I mention in my vlog but forgot here! Socializing with the Deaf community is very important, too!!! :)
obriensign 3 years ago
Thanks so much! I will do that! This is my first teaching job and I'm really looking forward to it! As I said, the person teaching it now is a Latin teacher, who took a continuing education class in sigh!!!!! AGHHH. I am thrilled to be doing it after having been an interpreter for 15 years. It will be a nice change!
Wish me luck!! and thanks again,
imcharley 3 years ago
I appreciate what you are saying because you are trying to show you have a 'good attitude'. It is also true that preference should be given to Deaf ASL teachers, not hearing people who learn the language and have 'hearing privilege' and see no harm in teaching this language (at the expense of Deaf teachers). It would be interesting to post this on DeafRead (dot) com... Wonder what Deaf folks would say... --Just because it happens doesn't mean it should be happening as much as it does...
CodaWorld 4 years ago
I'm sorry, but I respectfully disagree. Does this mean that only people of Spanish-speaking decent should teach Spanish? What about those that teach Latin? Do they need to trace their history to ancient Rome? Why should the Deaf community restrict themselves to only teaching? Why can't they go off and do great things and leave the ASL teaching to us "lowly hearies"? As long as we hearies respect the culture and language is not ours, I don't see anything wrong with the fact that I teach ASL.
obriensign 4 years ago
You're right. You don't see anything wrong with it. We have all heard this before... I just hope that hearing ASL teachers work to expand the number of Deaf ASL teachers, as there are many who are capable, but do not have the supports needed.
CodaWorld 4 years ago
Please tell me where to find the "many who are capable"... in my area I know of at least 6-10 current schools desperately looking for qualified ASL teachers, and there aren't any. You would think in a city of 4 million...... So if you know any, send them my way! I'll be glad to help them find employment.
obriensign 4 years ago
I happen to think Obrien is spot on with her comments. You obviously did not understand what she said...she never said hearing can't teach ASL...all she said is that because you teach ASL does not make you Deaf and you are still to respect the culture, the language, and maintain the responsibilty of interacting with the Deaf community...keeping your skills real and true. Never did she say you MUST be Deaf to teach ASL.
sudtx26 4 years ago
I really enjoyed your vlog. For someone who is hearing and a teacher, your ASL was very clear. Very clear for me means I immediately understood about 90% of what you signed. My lack of receptive skill, not yours. I would be honered to learn ASL from you. But you are right, we are still hearing and must respect the fact that no matter how good we get, we are not native signers. All ASL teachers MUST be absolutely fluent.
trainerlife 4 years ago
@trainerlife I am an ASL 2 student hearing student. What level are you at.
13SuperKings 5 months ago
I am hearing & in the Deaf Ed program at my college now. I plan on becoming a Deaf Educator; I interact as much as I can with the Deaf community, but as you touched on, we're hearing, not Deaf, we can't understand completely. I don't know that this is a topic of contention but rather concern, as I. King Jordan said, "There will always be a need for non-deaf people to understand the Deaf." The standards for Deaf Educators should be higher, the understanding of the ASL should be tops to teach.
tagger812 4 years ago
hearing teachers of ASL!?!?! wow, that's so weird to me. you would hardly EVER find a hearing teacher where I live, it's just NOT the way things are done. I hear there are a number of hearing teachers of ASL across the US -- is that controversial at all? I remember seeing a post where gnarlydork talked about that, and that *seemed* to be a point of contention.
hinabina 4 years ago
In Texas, most of the teachers in high schools that I have met are hearing. While many of them are competent, many are also not. When I ask them if they socialize with Deaf, they almost always say no. That drives me crazy! It's not our culture and language and we need to respect that.
obriensign 4 years ago