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Surprise Baby Shower My spring 2008 ASL 1 class decided to surprise me and throw me a surprise baby shower! I've never been so surprised. They are a devious bunch and did a good job of concealing this from me with the help of several of my colleagues. They were far too generous with their gifts, but my soon-t-be-born son will be well-outfitted and the mother-to-be was very pleased with all the nice gifts. Thanks so much for your generosity and love!
Community College Association
Conference
Great Teachers Seminar In March, 2007, I returned to the UCLA Conference Center with 15 of my colleagues for another Great Teachers Seminar. Once again, we attended a number of work- and brainstorming sessions, relaxed in the mountains, dined at the conference center, and learned from each other.
Gallaudet Fundraiser In March, 2006, students and faculty from the Bakersfield College ASL Program came together to raise money to help send a group of students and their instructors to Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. Cold Stone Creamery was kind enough to donate 25% of their proceeds for the evening to our cause. Faculty and students took a turn behind the counter dishing out ice cream for all our friends and supporters. It was a fun and successful evening and everyone enjoyed a dish of delicious Cold Stone ice cream!
Great Teachers Seminar In March, 2006, along with almost 30 other faculty members from Bakersfield College, I attended the Great Teachers Seminar. The retreat, which has been operating since 1969, brings together faculty from diverse disciplines such as biology, music, Spanish, history, and ASL to discuss matters important to them: student retention, student behavior, faculty governance, philanthropic endeavors, etc. Held at the UCLA Conference Center in Lake Arrowhead, it really was a wonderful opportunity to relax, learn, and enjoy the company of some wonderful colleagues and facilitators.
Student
Field Trip to "Open Window" In October, 2005, faculty and students from BC's ASL Program boarded busses once again to see live Deaf theater. Pam Davis, department chair, along with instructors Tom Moran and Bryan Buckey, accompanied 90 students to the Pasadena Playhouse to see a matinee performance of Steven Sachs' Open Window.
Signing Naturally Level 2 Workshop In July 2005, I had the unique opportunity to study with Ella Mae Lentz, one of the authors of the Signing Naturally curriculum. Over four days, nine ASL teachers worked together to learn about the level 2 curriculum, its rationale, best teaching practices, and an in-depth study of units 13 through 17 and the Curriculum Review of the Level Two student text and teacher's manual. Everyone enjoyed themselves a great deal and learned a lot of really useful information that will benefit their students.
Student Field Trip: Paddy Ladd In February 2005, a group of 37 students and ASL faculty members traveled to California State University, Northridge for a very special day. We arrived at CSUN and met with a student panel at the National Center on Deafness. Six Deaf students kindly shared their life and academic experiences with Bakersfield College students enrolled in ASL 2, 3, and 4 classes, some of whom may go on to study sign language interpreting. Following the panel we were given a tour of the National Center on Deafness by Deaf CSUNian president, Carlos Aponte. After a brief bite to eat at the bookstore complex, we then walked to the Music Recital Hall to attend a lecture given by Paddy Ladd, "In Search of Deafhood; What Does It Mean?" It was a fascinating two hours of ASL, BSL, International Sign Language, and thought-provoking ideas from an international perspective.
Signing Naturally Level 1 Workshop In January 2004, it was my pleasure to have studied with Cheri Smith, one of the authors of the Signing Naturally curriculum. Over four days 15 ASL teachers worked together to learn about the curriculum, its rationale, effective teaching practices, and an in-depth study of units one through six of the Level One text. Everyone enjoyed themselves a great deal and learned a lot of really useful information that will benefit our students.
Salk Institute In June, 2003, while staying in San Diego, I had the opportunity to tour the world-famous Salk Institute. While there, I met Dr. Ursulla Bellugi, who, together with Dr. William Stokoe, is one of the pioneers in ASL linguistics research. Dr. Bellugi's research has confirms that ASL is processed in the brain's language centers.
Gallaudet University In July 2003, I spent two weeks as a visitor to the Center on American Sign Language Literacy at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. There I observed a number of their classes and instructors and learned a great deal about ASL and American Deaf history. Below are a few of my favorite pictures of this beautiful and historic campus.
ASLTA Conference In April, 2003, I attended my first ASLTA Conference. The ASLTA (American Sign Language Teacher's Association) was formerly associated with the NAD (National Association of the Deaf) but are now on their own. The conference was their second national event. I learned a great deal after attending nearly 20 hours of workshops and met some great folks, too.
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