Maxine Bolton, Warwick University

West Midlands Regional Teacher of the Year

Maxine teaches Signature qualifications in British Sign Language at Warwick University. Their Medical School has incorporated British Sign Language as one of the Special Study Modules available for their second year trainee doctors. Thanks to Maxine this is one of their most popular courses recruiting at least thirty students every year.

Maxine has an infectious enthusiasm for British Sign Language which transfers to her learners. She produces her own materials, uses group work and provides extra support to students who are struggling. Signed singing is incorporated to make classes fun and improve her students’ British Sign Language vocabulary and structure.

For 10 years Maxine has been a play leader at a deaf children's play scheme. She also voluntarily taught the family of a young mum deafblind manual communication and British Sign Language in order to help them communicate with her when her sight and hearing deteriorated. In addition, Maxine worked as a volunteer communicator for three years at a deaf children's adventure holiday, facilitating communication between teachers, students, staff and peers. Maxine is currently voluntarily teaching basic British Sign Language to children at an after school club at her son’s school. She taught four of the staff in this mainstream school all of whom gained the Signature Level 1 Certificate in British Sign Language.

Maxine holds the Signature Level 4 NVQ in British Sign Language and gained Level 4 Certificate in Deafblind Interpreting (Manual), she is currently studying towards Member of the Register of Sign Language Interpreters (MRSLI) status.

Maxine is not deaf, but has encouraged and taught her five children British Sign Language.

Read about the other Teacher of the Year shortlisted nominees.