Amy Olson
Life as an American Sign Language Specialist/Teacher
Teaching Philosophy
I support a fully bilingual strategy that follows the order in which languages are acquired naturally. In order to best support Deaf kids in my classroom, I will value, respect, and help them succeed socially and intellectually in both American Sign Language and English, which are their first and second languages. I draw inspiration for my varied teaching approach from both Waldorf Education and the Montessori Method.
Teachers need to be able to differentiate instruction and adjust to each student's unique strengths and learning objectives in order to design lessons successfully, teach students to the best of their ability, and evaluate students' progress.
I am aware that, in my capacity as an American Sign Language Specialist and Teacher of the Deaf, my job is not to “lead” my students through the course by holding their hands, but rather to “clear” the way by encouraging them to succeed academically in their academic journey.
The most essential thing, in my opinion, is not so much for my students to master the material as it is to watch them develop as unique people on their own paths; to shine as they share their light and kindness with others, and to become a powerful, moving force in the global Deaf community to bring equity and opportunities for other members in the Deaf community.
