The Guy in the Blue Shirt
Site NewsMy name is John. Yes, I am the guy in the blue shirt shown in the videos on Signing Savvy. Since the launch of the Signing Savvy site last January, I have had several people ask me about my background.
I learned to sign at a young age, not because I was deaf, but because I had a deaf neighbor and friend who I wanted to communicate more effectively with. From this point forward, learning to sign and communication issues became a fascination of mine.
I began my college education in an interpreter training program but quickly realized my passion was in education. After I graduated from college with a bachelors degree in Deaf Education, I became a teacher of children who were Deaf and Hard of Hearing. After 12 years in the classroom, I was asked by my university mentor to return to the university, pursue a graduate degree, and share my years of experience from the classroom with the next generation of teachers studying in the field.
During this time I worked with my mentor on sign language research across the United States and Canada. I earned a Masters in Early Childhood Education. I continue to pursue my doctoral studies in Special Education focussing on literacy issues related to Deafness.
After five years of teaching and studying at the university, I returned to public education. In addition to my work with Signing Savvy, I currently work as an administrator and consultant for Deaf Education Programs in a number of school districts.
Working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children was and continues to be extremely rewarding. Happy Signing!
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Savvy User AnthonyThursday, November 5, 2009
When I first started to learn sign language, I was frustrated. Some signs do not make sense, especially if there is not a memory aid shown. Since facial expression and body language is important in communication, why isn't the sign for yes or no not simply a nod of the head? There may be several different signs for the same word, depending on context. I am determined to learn. I'm not deaf but I am hearing impaired and feel that this may be my main method of communicating at some point in time. I'm in a beginning class at a local church and several have already dropped.