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The New Teacher Podcast

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28. New Jersey Teacher of the Year: Amy Andersen

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Amy Andersen is the NJ Teacher of the Year and only one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year title.  Amy teaches American Sign Language (ASL) to regular education students as part of the World Language program where she is a high school teacher.

Amy attended Indiana University as a music major and studied with a world renowned flutist.  It wasn’t until she took a sign language course did she consider following the path of her parents by becoming an educator.  Her first teaching assignment was in Boston where she was a kindergarten teacher for hearing impaired students.

Andersen started the American Sign Language program at Ocean City High in 2004 with 42 students; today about 130 students are enrolled. More than 85 percent of her students have obtained the state seal of biliteracy in sign language. She is credited with sponsoring ASL activities in the community, including socials at local coffee shops and evening performances to raise funds for scholarships to benefit her students.

 

 

 

Hey Bully Video (ASL Version) created by Amy’s students

 

E-mail: NJStoy2018@gmail.com

Twitter: Amy ASL Andersen

Facebook: Mrs. Andersen’s Classroom Page

Website: National Association of the Deaf

Recommended Book:  

Any Responsive Classroom type books

Quote “I look forward to a day when deaf people are accepted, know more than that they are welcomed into the family of man because God created diversity not to oppress the minority who are different but to enrich the life of all.”  Laurent Clerc

Final Period Before the Final Bell:

Morning Person or Night Owl:

• Morning

Mac or PC:

• Mac

Favorite Childhood Book:

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

First Paying Job:

• Worked at local bakery (and I lasted one week)

Favorite TV Show: 

• The Crown

Last Music Download or song playing in your car: 

• Perfect by Ed Sheeran

One Famous Person That You Would Invite for Dinner:

• Barack Obama

What would you do during an unexpected snow day? 

• Play with the kids in the snow and make a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and snuggle on the couch with a fluffy blanket and watch a movie.

Next Item on Bucket List:

• Visit Italy with my mother

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

  • Growing up with both parents who are currently retired educators

  • Following a passion for music and studying flute at Indiana University

  • The dreaded call home…. “I want to become a teacher!”

  • What is an ASL Teacher?

  • All the dialects of sign language

  • Success of former students

  • Understanding the deaf culture

  • The history of deaf education and Laurent Clerc

  • Galludet University and other notable colleges for hearing impaired students

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