Our webinar held on 4/20/16 talked about the new ASL program that will be available for students in the Fall of 2016. Dr. Caroline Guardino, Associate Professor and Director of the Deaf Education Program, discussed program prerequisites, study abroad opportunities and internships. If you missed the live event, here are some important things to remember.
What is the Deaf Education Program?
ASL stand for American Sign Language. Starting in the Fall, you will have the opportunity to not only learn about this incredible language, but make it the focus of your studies by majoring in it. Plus, you will learn from native ASL speakers, some of which are deaf themselves!
You will be exposed to a variety of settings so that by the time you finish you will have a good understanding for where you want to be when you graduate. The comprehensive program includes:
- Total Communication
- Listening and spoken language
- Bilingual / Bicultural
Program Prerequisites:
If you have taken ASL classes in high school prior to this program, you may join the program after an ASL level assessment is completed through an informal interview. This will help us see what level you are at and what classes you need to take. The required prerequisites are:
- ASL Levels I-III
- EDF1005 Intro to Teaching Profession
- EDF2085
- EME2040 Into to Tech. for Educators
- Program Recommendation: ASL Levels IV
All of these classes are offered at UNF.
Internships:
The Deaf Education Program offers two types of 14-week internships for students in the program.
- Distant internship: will allow you to expand your horizons while maintaining residency
- National internship: will allow you to explore and learn in a different state
These internships are performance based and scholarships are based on GPA, letters of recommendation, behavior and attitude. Whether you want to do an internship in California or you want to stay in Florida close to home, these internships will give you the opportunity to:
- Attend and present at national conferences
- Attend workshops for teachers of the deaf
- Publish scholarly journals
Study Abroad:
Being able to understand deaf education, not only in the U.S. but also around the world, is an exciting opportunity to be a part of.
In the past, Guardino has taken students to Greece, Haiti, Hawaii and even the Philippines! And you are not just limited to those places!
You will have the opportunity to work in schools with children who are deaf and will be able to gain and share strategies with international mentors.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Deaf Education Program, please e-mail Caroline Guardino at caroline.guardino@unf.edu or visit the Facebook page at UNFdeafed.
View the entire webinar!
*Written by Marlon Petzold.
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