Introduction: I am a credentialed Teacher for the Deaf with more than 20 years' teaching experience. I have been signing since I was 7 years old and have been rated as fluent in American Sign Language by a Deaf advisory panel. I have done coursework in bilingual education, and studied the use of sign language with hearing children in graduate school. I'm certified. I'm qualified. You're learning from someone who has made a career of teaching!
When I teach an 8-week class series, I get to see smiling babies develop into signing babies. I can tell they're ready when they wave HELLO to me as I arrive to class. The next week, their parents tell me their baby is signing MILK or MORE. The week after that, I see the baby's tiny hands working together to communicate with me!
I helped to make that happen. I helped these parents give their baby a voice LONG before s/he is able to put the words together verbally.
I get to see the growth and development right before my very eyes.
If that's not rewarding, I don't know what is!
