Monday, May 3, 2010

We talk with our hands, and we listen with our eyes.

This past fall I heard about an opening at a charter school as an ASL (American Sign Language) teacher. I was nervous, in need of a job, and I knew I enjoyed ASL. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Little did I know that not only through out the next year I would grow a deeper appreciation for the Deaf world and the language of ASL, but I would fall in love with a group of kids. I have had pretty much the same kids all year and have watched them as they progress in their signing.

I teach at Walden Charter School here in Provo. When I applied for the job, I really didn't know much about Walden. Walden is the only K-12 public Montessori School in Utah. The liberal arts secondary program combines the Montessori philosophy with service and expeditionary learning to create a unique program dedicated to preparing students for higher learning, civic participation and a fulfilling life.

I know that this style of teaching isn't for every kid, but I am glad it is the type of learning that my students need because I love them, and they have changed my life.

My first year of teaching (something I never planned on doing), has been such an experience.
I have realized some things, as I am sure I will continue to realize more.

The most important teaching times are not always in the subject being taught. Its on the "in between"; The conversations before and after class, the times we get off on tangents, the times I tell my students I care (even if I don't blatantly say it), the times I know my students care, and the times we watch youtube videos and connect through laughter. Its in those moments that we build trust.

Teachers need to be leaders.

Leaders are teachers.

I have come to accept that not many of them will continue learning ASL after high school (I hardly remember my two years of Spanish in high school), but for me, ASL has given me an excuse to be in their lives and them in mine.

Plus. They do rad things like Eco-friendly fashion shows.

*The three on the right are from Walden, two of them are in my ASL class.

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