With just over three weeks to go until nominations close in the category of Teacher of the Year in the 2013 Signature Annual Awards, it’s not too late to make a nomination.
We want to hear about exceptional teachers of Signature qualifications who are working hard to help improve communication for deaf people.
Read below about the winner of the coveted national Teacher of the Year Award in the 2011 Signature Annual Awards, Amanda Smith;
In 2011 Amanda taught qualifications up to Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) at York St John University. The only teacher of BSL at the university at that time, she had worked hard to gain a Teaching Fellowship. When she joined the Modern Languages Department they saw a massive increase in the number of students studying BSL.
With Amanda’s support, the BSL students set up a Sign Café at the university which is frequented by Deaf students and local BSL users. Here they can practice their BSL skills and learn more about Deaf culture.
Amanda has a great sense of humour and believes that this, coupled with a positive learning environment, lead to great results. She is a huge support to students when they are struggling and celebrates their successes by holding group meals and events.
On winning the award, Amanda said, “At first I didn’t believe it, it took me a while to realise I had won. I have worked so hard to achieve this and I am so happy and proud. I would like to thank Signature for choosing me.”
