Beginner Phrases in American Sign Language: 13-18

"Steve is absolutely fantastic! He was fun and patient and my son learned a great deal in this class. He’s already asking to take more of Steve’s classes." -Kylie (Outschool parent)

Hello! My name is Steve Austin (no, I’m not the wrestler). 

My favorite courses to teach integrate sign language with music, storytelling, Deaf culture, history, and FUN. I love teaching how to sign songs that you love, plus common phrases, as well as in-depth courses for homeschool credit.

I have been teaching private and group sign language classes for more than 10 years. I especially love working with homeschooling families to supplement their foreign language education. I attended the University of Montevallo, and now work full-time as an educational sign language interpreter in the public school system.

I’ve been signing for more than twenty-five years, and have been interpreting professionally for more than twelve years. I’ve interpreted for First Ladies, mayors, governors, authors, Presidential Candidates, and more. Interpreting has even taken me all the way to Alaska! (Remind me to tell you that story some time.)

When I am working with students, I encourage them to create a sense of community among themselves. Working together as an independent instructor and group of students helps create a safe place for ideas to flow. I want students to leave my classroom as well-rounded people who can interact with their peers and colleagues as independent thinkers.

I encourage my students to develop curious minds. The ability to problem solve and think critically are learned skills and I believe my classroom should be a space in which students can practice. I support my students in exploring topics that interest and fulfill them within my class. By offering classes that students are able to individualize to fit their interests, my students remain engaged and find individual satisfaction within my classroom.

When I am not teaching or interpreting, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, plus our dog, Shadow.

I also host a private Facebook group for kids, ages 6-18, and their parents/guardians. It's called the ASL Club for Kids and here's the link www.facebook.com/groups/aslforkids/. Join today!
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Class Policies: 

1) I aim to keep classes close to the scheduled amount of time, however, classes with low enrollments or especially talkative students may run a few minutes under or a few minutes over. 

2) Classes will begin at the scheduled time, even if all learners are not in the classroom (unless there appears to be a technical issue). I will not contact absent learners during class time so I can focus on the learners who are present. 

3) If no learners are in the classroom, I will wait 10 minutes before exiting the classroom. In this situation, I will contact the families after I have left the classroom to transfer learners to a new section.

4) I will post the class recording to the classroom as soon as it is available to me.