British Sign Language lecturer named national teacher of the year
Amanda Smith, programme leader for British Sign Language
(BSL) and Senior Lecturer in the Business School at York St John
University, has been named national teacher of the year in the
Signature annual awards for her supportive, nurturing and
inspirational approach.
The Signature awards recognise individuals and
organisations who have made a significant contribution toward
achieving a society in which deaf and deafblind people have full
access. The teacher of the year award identifies those who through
their drive and enthusiasm, classroom commitment and high-quality
teaching have expanded provision, improved access or achieved
consistently outstanding results in qualifications.
Jim Edwards, Signature Chief Executive
said:
“Amanda is a deserved winner of the national
teacher of the year award. Her commitment to excellence in the
classroom and dedication to improving her knowledge through
research has had incredibly positive benefits for her
students.”
Amanda, whose first language is BSL rather
than English having been born deaf, teaches BSL levels 1 and 2 at
York St John University. She recently became a Teaching Fellow at
the University and is soon to add BSL Level 3 to the classes. Since
she joined the Modern Languages Department there has been a
substantial increase in the number of students studying BSL and
Amanda recently achieved a 100% pass rate.
Commenting on her accolade Amanda said:
“BSL is like learning any other language – you
need to keep practising, enjoy what you are doing and have a sense
of humour! I am so delighted to receive the honour of being named
teacher of the year by Signature and to win this prestigious
award.”
Rachel Wicaksono, Head of Languages and
Linguistics at York St John University added:
“The moment when Amanda's name was called out
at the national teacher of the year awards ceremony was a truly
thrilling one. Amanda's students and colleagues in the York St John
Business School are extremely proud of her achievement.”
Amanda engages her students in lessons with
the use of role play, handouts and by arranging visits to a local
deaf club so that they can gain experience. She is a huge support
to students when they are struggling and celebrates their successes
by holding group meals and events. Amanda has a great sense of
humour and believes that this, coupled with a positive learning
environment, lead to great results.
With Amanda's support, the BSL students have
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 also teaches deaf
awareness to University staff and integration has greatly improved
on campus.
Further information about BSL and other
language courses York St John Business School is available by
calling 01904 876507 or via email foreignlanguages@yorksj.ac.uk
Picture shows (left to right): Jim Edwards, Signature Chief
Executive; Amanda Smith, Signature teacher of the year; and
David Buxton, Chief Executive of the British Deaf
Association
For further information please contact Amy Hall,
PR & Communications Officer on T: 01904 876466
or E: a.hall@yorksj.ac.uk
