Becoming a teacher
As the leading awarding body for qualifications in deaf and deafblind communication and language, we recognise the importance of having passionate and highly skilled teachers.
Choosing to teach our qualifications can offer you many benefits, and the chance of a rewarding career. There are a few requirements for teaching that you will need to consider before you get started:
- It is recommended that you have the appropriate qualifications and/or professional experience in the subject you would like to teach.
- It is also recommended that you hold a recognised teaching qualification. Visit the Department for Education website for more details.
Are you a Newly Qualified Teacher? Upskilling and teaching BSL is a great way to boost your employability and teach a language that really does make a difference to so many people’s lives.
Online teacher training is now available from Levels 1 to 4 on the Signature Learning Hub. Click here to find out more.
What our teachers say
Jeanette Campbell–Turner
Jeanette teaches BSL Levels 1 and 2 and was a finalist for the Emerging Teacher Award at the Signature Annual Awards in January 2017.
“As the leader in providing BSL qualifications, Signature was the most natural choice for me. I had studied and passed Signature courses myself. The reason for me wanting to teach was to reach as many people as possible with deaf awareness and sign language skills in the hope that eventually our towns and hospitals will be a more understanding and inclusive place. My students learn BSL in order to do just that, and Signature courses are the most interesting and rewarding way for me to facilitate this.
It is a huge benefit to have the Customer Support team whenever I need them. I have great confidence in them and appreciate their help and advice. It was because of the advice from my Customer Support Officer that I decided to teach BSL Level 2.
My favourite thing about teaching Signature courses is seeing my students build their sign knowledge and become proficient, confident communicators.
Ayesha Gavin
Ayesha Gavin won the Enriching the Student Experience Award at the Signature Annual Awards in January 2017.
“I started to teach Signature qualifications when I became a registered centre in 2010. Today, I teach BSL Levels 1, 2, 3 and 6. My favourite thing about teaching Signature qualifications is seeing my students pass and receive their certificates.”
Emma Caswell
Emma Caswell is a BSL Centre Manager and BSL Teacher at Heathlands School. She teaches BSL Levels 1-6 and Level 1 Deaf Awareness and Communication. Her specialty is linguistics and regional variations:
“I qualified as BSL/English interpreter but after difficulties with my hearing I couldn’t continue. I began working as a residential support worker at my local school for Deaf children and then supporting communicators and pupils. After that I went into teaching BSL and gained my PGCE.
My favourite thing about delivering Signature qualifications is that they are straight forward; follow the qualification specification and you can’t go wrong. Adding to the learning environment through discussions, debates and research allows the learner to develop a range of vocabulary and knowledge, this in turn allows for a greater development in both receptive and productive skills.”