OUR KIDS KNOW ENGLISH... OR DO THEY?
Do you think your Deaf kids know unique English terms? Can they recognize and define English terms like "radical," "bold," "unique," "stunted," or "collective"? Can they write phrases like "place that on the..." or "crack the door..."? Do they know idioms like "He was blown away" or "I would enjoy some bonding time"? So many Deaf Ed programs across America miss preparing Deaf children to really understand English. They rely on English classes to present all the needed information, missing the fact that the needs of the Deaf are unique and have to be addressed in specialized manners. This inservice presents those topics and re-engages Deaf Ed instructors to provide more effective English education for their students. 
 

EFFECTIVE ASL
Most educational programs allow children to learn ASL/PSE naturally through their interactive environments, however language has to be perfected in the classroom. Most schools across America never sit down and teach ASL/PSE grammar to their children. Kids are unaware of how to effectively use classifiers, ASL idioms, topicalized clauses, rhetorical questions, directional signs etc. In the end, Deaf children leave their schools undereducated and those individuals battle through a lifetime of ineffective communication. Stunted communication skills creates havoc for the consumers themselves as well as the interpreters they utilize. Everyone suffers when sign language is not properly taught. This workshop helps address those issues and prepares teachers to empower kids to be the best communicators they can be. 
 

MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION 
Kids are coming to America from all over the world. What do you do with them when they arrive? How do you teach kids who know no language, or use a different sign/spoken language? How do you teach the parents about our laws and our norms? How do you communicate with parents? What do you do? We can help! This workshop tackles the unique challenges of how to help Deaf kids and their families acclimate to the U.S.
 

OUR PROGRAM IS ACCESSIBLE, OR IS IT? 
This inservice assesses your Deaf Ed program accessibility. Teachers across America are creating environments which are ineffective for Deaf children, and stunt their success. It might be that opaque masks are worn in class. It might be that kids are placed in improper locations. It might be that ineffective accessibility has been provided in the form of communication aids or interpreters. Well intentioned programs make huge errors. This inservice can get teachers on track!
 

RAISING UP DEAF KIDS
Programs across America prepare Deaf kids to fail. They set standards low, they expect less, they focus on survival rather than focus on thriving. We want to change that. We have the incredible honor of raising up the next generation, and we want those kids to become incredibly successful adults. Kids can go much farther when properly inspired, educated, and driven. This training covers everything from program development targeting empowerment and inspiration, to the logistics of expecting more and making more happen in children's education. If your team has ever thought "well that's all they can do..." or "we don't have to push them to..." or "they just have to accept their limitations" then this inservice will fit you like a glove. We talk about empowering Deaf children to be self-reliant no matter their Deaf + status. We discuss how to inspire children to believe in themselves and overcome the challenges of their Deafness. We tackle the tough talk on how to have kids open up about themselves and face their emotions. This inservice is practical and effective in "raising up Deaf kids".
 

LIFE SKILLS 101
Can your students self manage? Do they understand how to shop, handle money, handle personal budgeting, or make assessments and decisions with consideration of the effect those decisions may have? Do they know about internet safety, hygene, what to effectively do in relationships with friends, parents, and others? Do they know how to read and write reviews, a resume, or a "thank you" letter to friends and family? Do your kids know what the world expects of them? We trust these skills are taught at home, but it is rare that they are. so many Deaf children leave school with no knowledge of the basic life concepts taught to Hearing children. Your program can change that! Learn how your program can empower your students to greatness!