WWU instructor earns highest ASL certification

11/22/2011 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

Shauna Rae Ward, an instructor of American Sign Language interpreting who joined William Woods University this semester, recently achieved certification at the Professional level with the American Sign Language Teacher Association (ASLTA).

“This is a huge accomplishment that can only be achieved after many years of experience, several levels of certification and several rigorous exams. We are very proud that she is a part of WWU,” said Dr. Barbara Garrett, ASL program director.
 
According to ASLTA, the teacher certified at the Professional level has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and skills in teaching ASL. These include knowledge of curriculum development, evaluation, linguistics, and theoretical and contemporary issues in the field of ASL teaching. Professional certification is valid for eight years and may be renewed by meeting renewal requirements.
 
Ward, who is Deaf, has taught American Sign Language in schools throughout Canada, as well as at Portland Community College and Portland State University in Portland, Ore. She was an ASL instructor in Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, Wash., for eight years. For two years, she coordinated an ASL immersion program, where students spent an entire week learning and practicing ASL from morning to night.
 
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in sign communication from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and received her Master of Education degree in adult education from the University of Phoenix in 2007.
 
She decided to work through the levels of certification because of the growing need for certified interpreters.
 
“I started to notice that ASLTA certification was recommended for many ASL teaching jobs, and required for some. In the future, I believe certification will be required to teach,” said Ward.
 
Dr. Barbara Garrett explained, “While we are seeing more teachers of American Sign Language earning ASLTA certification, there are many instructors who are not certified at the entry level.  The fact that Professor Ward has pursued it all the way to the highest certification possible is quite an achievement.  My understanding is that the list of people nationwide who have earned the level of Professional Certification is rather short.”
                                                           
Throughout the course of her career, Ward has taught everything from American Sign Language, to Deaf culture classes, interpreting and ethics. At WWU, she teaches Deaf People in Society, ASL I classes and an ASL IV class.
 
“I enjoy motivating students to be interpreters because we have such a need for good interpreters,” explained Ward.
 
Jenny Kesel, a senior English major and ASL minor, is one such inspired student.
 
“Professor Ward has a great sense of humor and is always coming up with great ways to involve and engage the class,” she said.
 
Ward can’t imagine doing anything else: “I’m a teacher. It’s just who I am.”
                                                          
 
CUTLINE: Shauna Rae Ward