Concerns about ASL Teachers

[Trishamazingg]

I'm an interpreting student and I've recently had both a hearing professor and a Deaf professor teach ASL. Although I can tell my hearing teacher is very knowledgeable of the language, she's a CODA w/ Deaf siblings, I honestly do feel I gained more knowledge of the language from my Deaf professor. Teaching ASL comes so naturally for her, and it's fun learning from her and learning her point of views. If I could only have her as my professor from now on, I would definitely enjoy it better.

[Julie11Rose]

I agreed with all of you .. lucky Canadian Deaf teachers still teaching ASL . Hearing person who know ASL and let to give Deaf job and their language .. where is their respect and attitude ??? Why not the hearing ASL instructors let Deaf job and our ASL !!!! language plus culture.. I cant understand why hearing instructor contribute Deaf people take our place to teach ASL.. When i went to workshop in USA and our Deaf group were so shocked and jaw dropped !! almost all hearing taught ASL.

[xXTragicDollyXx]

I agree that the deaf should teach sign language instead of hearing. I have a hearing asl teacher who does a lot of signs wrong. He is a horrible teacher. I am thankful that my boyfriends mom is deaf and she teaches me. When I speak to her and since I am beginner I usually fingerspell any word I do not know and then she will teach me the sign. I love deaf culture and the people in it are wonderful. thank you for posting

[x0elli0x]

I agree completely. I am learning sign language at the sign language center in NYC and all oif the teachers are deaf. I feel like i am learning more opinions of deaf on what signs are better to use then a hearing person.

[germandeafASL]

Yeah! I agree with you well, the reason why I said because I notice now days more hearing asl teachers not much deaf asl teachers which i concern many times I have been seen most hearing asl teachers are oppression toward deaf people and deaf people still "sleepy" and not realize how serious hearing asl become more enpowerd than deaf. so we need to stand up and overcome hearing asl's enpowers and let deaf enpower their deaf culture. Agree? wink...

germanASL55

[CLDeafies]

You have book? Find to buy, how?

You very, very good teacher. Keep it up! We need. Sooooo many bad Hearing teachers, bad Hearing programs around! Hearing student learn all wrong, choas, garbage. Then expect us Deafs to tutor them!

[eileentruskowski]

As a deaf ASL teacher I can tell you is difficult to teach ASL to hearing kids who are always trying to put something over on you. Try to have them use ASL only and they whisper using voice and I cannot hear. The children are always trying to pull something on the deaf teacher. Not fun to be sure.... before becoming deaf I was an Interpreter and worked to get an education in ASL. I have BA and MA for teaching. MUST have that to teach MUST!

[germandeafASL]

@eileentruskowski Hi! yes, I do agree but some disagree, Why? because I was asl teacher in Denver, of course I am deaf. ha...no interpreter. I make people learn harder, How do I communcate hearing people? just write on chalkboard. If I don't understand them but I do well lipreading. It won't let me read their lips, They write on chalkboard which I stress on them more motiviate to pick up many sign of words. It is successful, so I don't think any difficult for them.

[eileentruskowski]

As a deaf ASL teacher I can tell you is difficult to teach ASL to hearing kids who are always trying to put something over on you. Try to have them use ASL only and they whisper using voice and I cannot hear. The children are always trying to pull something on the deaf teacher. Not fun to be sure....

[allasynb]

it may be deaf people's language, but if they don't know ASL the structure, grammar etc. why does it matter if it's hearing or deaf who teach it??// on the other hand i do agree more deaf teachers should teach asl.. so where are all those deaf teachers??

[TheNekoTube]

It is true that most school districts in Houston do hire "hearing" teachers who knows a little about ASL and the community to teach ASL. I found some ASL students' sign language skills that needs a lot of improvement, especially their receptive skills.

I am truly supporting for Deaf people who are ASL users to take ASL courses to understand the structure that will help their writing and reading comprehension.

[monsoonboy47]

I wish I could understand what you are saying. Would you consider typing subtitles for us hearing folk?

[meangurl24]

I am glad to see your video.. I agree with you but when I used live in Texas I notice that they have alot deaf teacher in around Texas. Right now I am living in California, they have few ASL teacher but I am still havin problem with hearing teach cause I take acting training class school. God help me.. lol.

[locamomof5]

I AGREE !!!!!!! MORE DEAFS COME ON!!!!

[JNerdley]

We should start by implementing mandatory ASL classes in deaf schools. I'd say MOST deaf people don't use proper ASL. Hearing people take English class, deaf should have ASL, as well. You can't teach it if you don't know it.

[Reprovedhornet]

@JNerdley I'm Deaf it's hard teach . the most children don't sign in English habit . Speak by thorat between speak to this person has a ear hearing. that's connected to the brain undertsnad obviosuly. Sign is hard reading on hand sometime .

[leftalonedeafculture]

why dont u become teacher , why not come on , u make me very inspirit and emotion hard to tell maybe u know what i mean mmmm.. please add me ??

[rockmusicrockall2]

Well, if it was to have ALL Deaf teachers just to Teach ASL.... what about the other subjects?

In my View: Reason why Hearing Teachers are teaching ASL is because... well for one, it could be a CODA(something related to "of Deaf adults.") or was inspired by a Deaf person to take up the language because... they love it. They want to teach the beautiful language to the rest of the world... for Visual Language is one of the most beautiful things in the world. So, Let Hearing do what they want. =)

[Banerika]

Great vlog!

[lectricangel1]

im going to college to learn so i can teach!

i cant wait!!!

[kelliepfan17]

I had a deaf teacher for my freshman, sophomore, and junior year in high school. And he was truly one of the best teachers I've ever had. Unfortunately, last year, they took it out of the curriculum. I wasn't able to take a fourth year of it. I am hearing and I hope to become an interpretor and possibly a teacher. I will try very hard to teach the way my ASL teacher taught me. Positively and straight forward. Thank you for your video.

[Banerika]

I think the most important thing is that the person is qualified and a good teacher -- but -- what I liked about my sister's ASL teacher, who is deaf, is that my sister came out of class knowing very basic signs, but with the VERY firm conviction that if she has a deaf child, to have him or her learn ASL from birth and have the whole family learn it, and enroll the child in a school for the deaf that emphasizes bilingual ASL and English education.

[WonderGent]

I undestand the need to have deaf to take the roles of being ASL teacher in hearing student classes because deaf teachers have better exposures for hearing to learn ASL and deaf cultures. I taught ASL at community college for several years. The thing is that it is better to have hearing teachers teaching ASL than none if the deaf aren't available. Don't you think?

[asldeaffriend]

im form oreogn im HOH ASL TO

asldeaffriend

YES YOU ARE RIGHT. I I TEACH ASL MYSLEF

DEAF Shuold TRY YA (BUT) HEARING NEED try to lean lot not want to learn smile

[bethlind]

I agree that a Deaf teacher is best, but like you said not all communities have someone who is Deaf AND can teach. In that situation which is better, a hearing teacher or no teacher at all? I'm an interpreting student and my ASL teacher is Deaf and strongly in Deaf culture and a big advocate of ASL. The problem, though, he's Deaf and we're not. There are frequently misunderstandings about homework and tests. Many people fail his class because he's not clear or he misunderstands a question.

[ElvsJ04]

hey, can you please give a transcript to your video logs? It would really help those of us wanting to learn ASL (you being our teacher who is Deaf!) I agree with you. I have had both hearing and Deaf teachers, and not only do I think I learned MORE from my Deaf teachers, my hearing teachers allowed talking in class and my Deaf teachers DID NOT. That made all the difference. You learn faster when you're forced to communicate in the language you are trying to learn. Thanks!

[praiselordgrace]

Curious, pre-college at HCC in center. Should I taking ASL teacher or must have MSD?

[truevoiceofsanity]

Wow. For myself, I'd fear too many deaf people doing that job; obviously you need teachers but one for every so many deaf people.

Its good you mention the need tho. Mabye more people will take that job. :D.

[MNelson515]

I am in my 5th semester of ASL classes and so far all of my teachers have been deaf. I am in Phoenix, Arizona. I believe there are less hearing teachers for ASL here than deaf teachers.

[RagingPickles]

My wife is deaf, and my daughter is going to be soon, along with my son. Me? My hearing is pretty good, even though I don't listen sometimes. LOL! I just wanted to pose a question that a deaf friend (and teacher to the deaf) posed to me; Why is it that ASL is the only uniquely American language, yet only 4% of public schools in America teach it as a regular part of their cirriculum? Makes no sense. I can sign, and what this cat just said kind of adds up. Great video!

[qtpie604]

I agree in the views of the signer. I am currently taking ASL and Deaf Studies, in college, to eventually become an interpreter. I would definitely not get the same out of the course if my teacher was hearing. ASL should be taught by someone who lives the language, everyday 24/7! Hearing people can teach any other language using their voices. Leave ASL to the deaf, they are the ones that know it the best.

[beefbjella22]

Learning another language isn't always about "getting the most out of the experience." You can be tought Spanish a lot quicker by someone who knows both spanish and english, than by someone who only knows spanish. Same goes for ASL. If you want the full experience, then find a non hearing ASL teacher. If you want the experience of spanish, get a non english speaking teacher... or move to spain.

[Sparcles8D]

I think this is a very good point. I've taken classes with both Deaf and hearing (CODA) teachers in my interpreting program. I think to teach a second language you have to have a powerful command of BOTH languages regardless of your hearing levels. You must have the ability to have educated discourse about the linguistics of both languages. I agree that more Deaf should take the opportunity to learn their own language fully, but the teachers should be whoever is best qualified - Deaf or not.

[heeheeluck]

hey why don't we charge them because ASL is belong to Deaf world. what if no Deaf on earth so they won't able to earn money for living from ASL! they are use ASL for their living! they took our postions. cause too many hearing teacher in Deaf School it will be same problem out community! we must get the power to get them to due respect us for Deaf Culture and richest ASL!

[boredmuc32]

I understand your point of view and agree that there should be more Deaf ASL teachers. However, I also believe that hearing people can also be equally amazing teachers and I think its a shame that that signlanguagetube described herself/himself as "better than nothing". Whereever there is passion there is a great teacher regardless if they are hearing or Deaf.

[Meager1414]

I have to completely agree with the viewpoint of the signer. I learned ASL through my high school, and my teacher was Deaf. My goal is to become an interpreter in ASL. I tried taking some sign classes at my college... and was disappointed... I had a hearing teacher there... The experience was not as enjoyable or real. We were allowed to talk in class... Sign was not forced. Once we even had music playing during class... Where are all the deaf teachers? Your opinion is shared by many. :)

[OregonBLB]

I don't know of a language that isn't learned the most quickly and naturally by immersion experience with native speakers. That isn't always possible, but it is the ideal. It is like anything else, though (nursing, art, etc.): unless some of the best in the field who also have the ability to teach are encouraged to go into teaching, it won't happen.

People who translate back and forth from English to ASL also need to have excellent English skills, too, but they don't need to be able to hear.

[beefbjella22]

OregonBLB, how does one translate from English to ASL if they can't even hear what is being said??

[OregonBLB]

a)English is a written language, too, not just a spoken one.

b)People learn English in a country where essentially nobody speaks Spanish, don't they?

This is not to say that there aren't people (the hearing children of ASL users, for instance) who are fluent in both languages and who can understand the difficulties in translation better. Given the choice of just one, though, you want to learn from someone who is fluent in the language you're trying to learn. That is the main thing.

[OregonBLB]

It is difficult to be fluent in English when one can't hear or speak the language. It is a very aural language. Think of the Gallagher routine: after, laughter, daughter, thought, though, go, do....there is a melody to the language that the spelling rules unfortunately obscure. (This is because the archaic spelling is retained, even though the pronunciation has changed over time.)

Difficult, but not impossible. Many ASL posters, though, are noticeably different in their use of English.

[signlanguagetube]

I teach ASL to high school students and I would LOVE for them to have a Deaf teacher but we don't even have Deaf (a couple deaf but not ASL users) in our community. I can either be their teacher as a hearing person who just has a passion for ASL or I can leave them with no option to learn ASL until a Deaf person comes along to fill in the gap. I probably am not better than a Deaf teacher but I have instilled a knowledge and passion in many of them for the Deaf and ASL....better than nothing. :)

[197250]

yes undersantad but you teacher deaf is good , but learn lilte english , where live in chile deaf greentings

[k98371]

I'm in an ITP (Interpreter Training Program) right now, and I have a couple Deaf teachers, and one hearing teacher. In my area there are more Deaf ASL teachers than hearing and it's very nice! This way, they already know the culture and are very skilled in the language since it is their mother tongue. I wish there were more areas like mine around the US, and we need to appreciate them more if we have the opportunity

[gdspam]

Pros and Cons to both... just as Deaf would rather have a Deaf teacher for English, a hearing might prefer a Hearing Teacher for ASL. Hearing people know how to relate to eachother and explain so its easily understood. You don't teach Deaf children English with English, you teach English through ASL. Sometimes you have to bring the ASL down to more English so the grammar is understood, then go back to ASL to work on receptive skills.

[cj5127]

It is unfair to deny a hearing teacher to teach ASL if they know the language. They go through years and years of training to understand the language and culture of the Deaf. The problem is HOW they teach. A Deaf teacher may be better because they CANNOT speak, whereas a hearing teacher may tend to speak out loud for understanding. It is also a problem if the teacher signs exact English, not ASL. ASL should be taught by someone who loves the language and is willing to follow through.

[Faithservant]

When hearing people grow up they are taught every year of their lives English. They are taught English format, English words, English sentences, etc. When a Deaf person grows up they have no classes that "teaches" ASL format, linguistics etc. The lessons learned in the formative years are critical to learning the language properly. I think that because a person can speak the language does not mean a person can structure the language in a manner that is educational.

[ayek8]

my ASL teacher was deaf as well - i would definitely prefer a deaf teacher over a hearing one. it "forces" you to learn the language.

[peedl]

My ASL teacher is Deaf and I think I would prefer her over a hearing teacher. It seems unreasonable to expect every ASL teacher to be Deaf. Still, I think a Deaf teacher could do a better job at it. There's no translator but I have never had much trouble understanding my teacher. I think I learned faster being forced to understand her without spoken word. As for culture, she has a better understanding, so she can answer questions more thoroughly than a hearing teacher I think.

[Sopoxc08]

Do most school have native Russian teaching Russian? How about native Chinese teaching Chinese? Or native Spanish teaching Spanish?

It is most likely not so.

I think it's fairly unrealistic to expect to have all ASL programs to have a native ASL signer teach ASL. I mean, some native ASL signer teacher do exist, yes, but not in a great numbers. Much like as any other language with its native language teacher.

[AlexMerenkov2]

my asl teacher shes hearing but i understand what you mean but its like the deaf already have to deal with moreon hearing people on a normal basis i cant imagine what its like to have a DEAF ASL teacher i think the kids would most likly mock the teacher because what can the teacher really do its sad but i do think thats what would happen were my ASL teacher deaf its also helpful because somtimes we dont understand what shes signing and it help to get a verbel and then also a signed instruction

[webstergirl06]

I understand your concerns. I often feel like I would learn a lot more if my ASL teacher were deaf, but at the same time, he was raised signing (as both of his parents are deaf) and his wife is deaf. My first year of ASL was a total immersion class with only sign, but now that I've gotten into ASL 3 and 4 they have started talking, to try and explain things, and I really thing I learn better with out the voice overs. Thanks for sharing your opinion as it really is a very important one. ;)

[poohvon]

I totally agree! I'm an interpreting major in San Antonio, TX and my ASL teacher is Deaf. I also don't agree with hearing people teaching Deaf students.

[Forlaniz3]

i could only understand bits and pieces, and that's great, because i'm trying to learn ASL...hmm...

[deafilmmaker]

That is ok , i want you teach me , i like asl ;)

[purplewowies]

I think that deaf ASL teachers are better for teaching ASL than hearing teachers. I'm only in my first year of ASL, so I didn't understand most of what you were signing. My deaf teacher has NEVER called in for a substitute because they probably wouldn't know what to teach us. But his aide, Sarah, is kinda like a sub on the days he isn't there (and he's usually there).

[Rebeccatheduck]

I agree!! I took ASL from a deaf teacher, she was amazing! I learned more from her than my friends who were taking hearing teachers, she really had a gift when it came to teaching. I am still sad that I won't be able to take more classes from her!

[DragonessLife]

I am deaf should take ASL best. Your video great!

[rachelb823]

YES, I agree. I think one reason we see hearing teaching ASL is because if hearing people own the school, they feel more comfortable with no communication barrier. If they interview 1 hearing, 1 Deaf, I think they MIGHT prefer hearing because they can communicate easy. Not right, but maybe true.

[Spatzka]

Totally agree- step up Deaf community- lots of people want to learn your beautiful langauge! I teach beginning ASL and I am hearing (an interpreter). I love teaching but will not teach higher levels. I'd gladly step down from beginning and let a Deaf person take over! :O)

[nykc]

My ASL teacher teaches well.. asl mr,cooper ienjoy his class and it's easier for me to learn than if it was a hearing teacher=]

[tootieno]

I'm a hearing student in a interpreting program and I totally agree that there are not enough deaf teachers around. I am currently being taught by a deaf teacher and I would not have it any other way. She once said there were several teacher but somehow there not around anymore. If your going to learn someones language you need to learn it first from someone who's language is their first language. I think in order to become a ASL teacher you need to be deaf.

[spleneticditz]

They're actually taking ASL out of our districts program.... it made me really mad, because I want to be an interpreter. but luckily My graduating class gets to go through our entire highschool career learning it until it's dropped!

Totally agree with you by the way!

[dreadzrider]

Concern's ?about ASL or the people..DuDe people have to understand about themself, why be so 's hard on themself. if the try commuiate any way they can..Make ASL pride.. Sound like an cult thing..dUde get real it free country ..the world havnt end yet..still have life to enjoy...we dont need all this stress call..

[DeafShare]

I agree with you!! long ago about 5 years ago San Diego LDS every Sunday evening that was alot hearing like about 100-200 hearing learn sign class but few deaf like 5% deaf (staff, friend or teach) person so right Deafhood do Deaf authorized (politics? alot work in future) in Deaf people,,..bring poor income Deaf, poor mixup language Deaf, skin Deaf , ..etc ALL bring Deaf people. thanks

[snotface7]

LSD... are you talking about the mormon church? or does that stand for somthing else?

[snotface7]

corection:LDS

[dangerics]

I agree with you that Deaf should take ASL class even if they don't want to teach ASL class. Same with hearies, they should take English class. Learning your language formally will help you in life situations. If a Deaf person has a hearing boss he can teach him and his co-workers asl.

[lrufburn]

All my sign language instructors have been Deaf. And, yes, they taught me a lot. Not only were they proficient in ASL: they were also proficient in English and in teaching techniques. Please understand, however, that being Deaf does not automatically qualify one to teach ASL. The same goes for hearing people: being hearing does not automatically qualify one to teach English.

[ROBERTCHRISTINA]

I agree about. What is more is that almost all of those hearing people who learn ASL in schools will never use it again. You do not know how many times i have seen hearing people tell me they have learned it but forgot how to use it. They never made the efforts to join Deaf people anywhere.

[mergfkt]

My ASL teacher is a CODA, and I agree with you. I would much rather have a CODA (or SODA or PODC) or a Deaf instructor teach me than a hearing person who just decided to learn the language. There's a certain level of respect implied. But, at the same time, I also agree that Deafness should not be the only qualification. :)

[lisababy85]

what is a soda? or Podc? I know what a CODA is but I've never heard of a SODA or PODC? My teacher is speaking but occasionally we get a Deaf woman named Jeri sub and it's a great experience it adds to your enrance in the culture I think.

[mergfkt]

I don't know that they're official acronyms, but I meant Siblings of Deaf Adults, and Parents of Deaf Children.

[lisababy85]

oh okay thank you. with the ODA it should have been obvious lol. thanks again and don't forget too a GODA grandchild of deaf adults too. there should be a book on all these.

[mergfkt]

That's true but once you hit grands it gets so much more complicated!

[lisababy85]

lol true enough haha. so are you in ASL classes at all?

[terrellterp]

I am a sign language interpreter and I've had ASL classes from hearing and Deaf teachers in the past. I found the classes taught by a CODA with great teaching skills and a particular Deaf teacher that made sure we turned our voices off were of great benefit. When I recently encouraged signers to take an ASL class, I was disappointed to find that the Deaf instructor didn't really know ASL and used his voice. I feel like I'm better qualified to teach ASL than this particular teacher.

[SEKing19]

Yes! All of my ASL teachers have been Deaf. Not only did we learn vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, but they were able to teach us about Deaf culture. Hearing people can't do that the same way.

[johnesco]

I went to a class taught by a CODA and she tried to teach us that "where" (shaking finger back and forth) mean "what". She said that is how she always signed in. I don't go to ASL classes to learn "house" sign. I think if a person is qualified it should not matter if they are Deaf, CODA, or hearing... but they must know the language WELL.

[DeafImages]

Yes, there is a need for training for ASL teachers. We need to help our brothers and sisters do better job of teaching the public ASL. It is time to allow deaf to be ASL teachers.

They need guidance so I am working on manual to help set up ASL TC (ASL Training Center).

It is a tip of iceberg as I traveled around the country. It is depressing to see so many hearing teachers screw up the system. Let's band together and improve ASL! =)

[boomboy2k1]

I agree with everything you say

[lwljr]

There needs to be more Deaf people teaching ASL. However, there are many Deaf people who teach English in Deaf programs. I think if the person is qualified to teach ASL then it should not matter if they are Deaf or Hearing.  Yes, a native signer is probably perferable. However, in most Deaf programs where the teacher is Deaf, they also teach English (elementary, middle and high school as well as college level). Should native speakers of English be prefered in these areas?

[littlecrown5719]

Very true

[jamielee09]

I agree that there needs to be more deaf teachers. I think that if a hearing person has enough knowledge,skills,education, and experience that it is ok for them to teach. many places there is no deaf people to teach so it is only hearing people that can teach. It goes both ways.

[cdpete]

and I agree with your point of view!

Great video - keep them coming!