Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Leadership And Campus Engagement
Additional College Teaching Experience
Early Career Experience
Professional Development
Professional Highlights
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Michele Smith

Cape Coral

Summary

Results-oriented American Sign Language educator with expertise in curriculum development that enhances student engagement and cultural understanding. Utilizes immersive instruction and collaborative initiatives to create inclusive learning environments, ensuring positive educational outcomes for diverse student populations.

Overview

1
1
Certification
32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

American Sign Language Instructor

Florida Southwestern State College
01.2023 - Current
  • Delivered engaging ASL instruction that facilitated language acquisition and fostered understanding of Deaf culture
  • Design assessments aligned with course outcomes and student learning objectives
  • Collaborated with faculty to develop curriculum and implement student success initiatives
  • Foster inclusive and equitable learning environments for diverse student populations
  • Integrated instructional technology and multimedia resources to increase student engagement
  • Maintain accurate attendance, grading, and student records
  • Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and college initiatives

ASL Faculty

Blue Ridge Community College
01.2022 - 01.2025
  • Provide ASL instruction to dual-enrolled students in an Early College Education program
  • Develop and update instructional materials aligned with ASL best practices and Deaf culture
  • Evaluated student progress and provided timely feedback to support academic success
  • Offer academic advising and individualized student support
  • Collaborated with faculty and staff to enhance student engagement and improve course delivery
  • Organized and promoted Deaf community events and ASL seminars to foster engagement and cultural awareness
  • Participate in faculty discussions, professional development, and departmental initiatives

American Sign Language Instructor

St. Petersburg College
01.2011 - 01.2022
  • Delivered ASL and Deaf Studies instruction using immersive and student-centered teaching methods
  • Supported student language development through engaging instructional strategies and cultural learning experiences
  • Fostered inclusive classroom environments that embraced diverse student populations and promoted active participation
  • Contributed to departmental activities enhancing collaboration and bolstering student engagement initiatives

American Sign Language Instructor & ASL Club Advisor

Polk State College
01.2013 - 01.2018
  • Delivered immersive ASL and Deaf Studies instruction using student-centered teaching methodologies
  • Supported student language development through tailored instructional strategies and personalized mentoring
  • Coordinated ASL Comedy Show and interactive learning experiences to promote ASL culture and community involvement
  • Organized ASL community events and fundraising activities to enhance student engagement
  • Planned and coordinated student field trip logistics to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Conference in New Orleans to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Conference in New Orleans

ASL/English Instructor

Center for Communicative Development, Inc.
Los Angeles
01.2002 - 01.2007

ASL/English Instructor | 2002–2007

  • Taught English to Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults to improve reading, writing, and communication skills
  • Developed curriculum and lesson plans, integrating community-based learning initiatives to enhance student engagement
  • Facilitated discussions to improve student communication skills and foster collaborative learning
  • Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback sessions.
  • Implemented technology tools to support interactive learning experiences.
  • Organized extracurricular activities to encourage practical language use and community interaction
  • Prepared and presented monthly progress reports for Department of Rehabilitation clients
  • Participated in professional development workshops to improve instructional methods.

ASL Tutor

Washington Elementary School
Burbank
01.2002 - 01.2004
  • Instructed students in American Sign Language through engaging lesson plans. ASL Tutor | 2002–2004
  • Supported Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and families in developing ASL literacy and communication skills.
  • Facilitated interactive sessions that improved students' communication skills in ASL.
  • Organized workshops that increased parental understanding of ASL and deaf culture.
  • Utilized Hooked on Books strategies to encourage parental involvement and communication development

Assistant to Professor of ASL 1

California State University, Northridge
Northridge
01.2000 - 05.2000
  • Facilitated classroom instruction and promoted student engagement activities to strengthen learning outcomes.
  • Motivated student participation and fostered ASL skill development through interactive learning strategies.
  • Coordinated administrative tasks and scheduled appointments to enhance faculty and staff efficiency.

ASL Instructor

Berlin Community School
Berlin
10.1994 - 12.1994

ASL Instructor | 1994

  • Instructed elementary students and adult learners in American Sign Language, fostering effective communication skills and enhancing cultural awareness.
  • Designed engaging lesson plans for diverse learners in American Sign Language.
  • Facilitated interactive class activities to enhance student communication skills.
  • Designed comprehensive curriculum and engaged parents through strategic communication and collaborative initiatives.
  • Partnered with staff to successfully integrate ASL into school curriculum, promoting inclusivity and accessibility for all students.

Education

Master of Arts - Master of Arts in Special Education – Deaf And Har

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA
06-2006

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies with a concentration in American Sign Language

California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA
08-2002

Skills

  • ASL instruction
  • ASL curriculum design
  • Curriculum development
  • Assessment support
  • Advanced ASL
  • ASL methods
  • Interactive strategies
  • Classroom management
  • Language modeling
  • Facial grammar
  • Classroom practices
  • Deaf community engagement
  • Effective communication
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Empathetic mentoring
  • Body language

Certification

American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA), Qualified Certification, 12/2027

Leadership And Campus Engagement

  • Organized Deaf community events, ASL seminars, and cultural immersion activities
  • Advised and supported ASL Club student engagement initiatives
  • Participated in faculty collaboration, professional development, and departmental planning
  • Supported student retention and success through mentoring and individualized academic support
  • Developed instructional materials and curriculum enhancements aligned with ASLTA standards
  • Supported Deaf community outreach and experiential learning opportunities for ASL students

Additional College Teaching Experience

  • Pasco-Hernando State College, American Sign Language Instructor
  • Pasadena Language Center, American Sign Language Instructor
  • Los Angeles Pierce College, American Sign Language Instructor
  • Pasadena City College, American Sign Language Instructor
  • Oxnard College, American Sign Language Instructor
  • College of the Canyons, American Sign Language Instructor
  • Santa Barbara City College, American Sign Language Instructor
  • Glendale Community College, American Sign Language Instructor

Early Career Experience

  • Center for Communicative Development, Inc., ASL/English Instructor, 01/2002, 12/2007, Los Angeles, CA
  • Washington Elementary School, ASL Tutor, 01/2002, 12/2004, Burbank, CA
  • California State University, Northridge, Assistant to Professor of ASL 1, 01/2000, 12/2000
  • Berlin Community School, ASL Instructor, 01/1994, 12/1994, Berlin, NJ

Professional Development

  • Signing Naturally: Level 1 Textbook Revision Workshop, 2009
  • Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT), 2008
  • American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) Convention, Puerto Rico, 2008

Professional Highlights

  • 25+ years of college-level ASL and Deaf Studies teaching experience
  • Extensive face-to-face and hybrid classroom instruction experience
  • Curriculum development and instructional material design
  • Deaf culture education and community engagement
  • Student mentoring, advising, and academic support
  • ASL Club leadership and student engagement activities
  • Medical ASL curriculum development
  • ASLTA Qualified Certified through 2027
  • Experience teaching diverse and dual-enrollment student populations
  • Experience supporting face-to-face, hybrid, and online ASL instruction across community college environments

Languages

AMerican Sign Language
Full Professional

Timeline

American Sign Language Instructor

Florida Southwestern State College
01.2023 - Current

ASL Faculty

Blue Ridge Community College
01.2022 - 01.2025

American Sign Language Instructor & ASL Club Advisor

Polk State College
01.2013 - 01.2018

American Sign Language Instructor

St. Petersburg College
01.2011 - 01.2022

ASL/English Instructor

Center for Communicative Development, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2007

ASL Tutor

Washington Elementary School
01.2002 - 01.2004

Assistant to Professor of ASL 1

California State University, Northridge
01.2000 - 05.2000

ASL Instructor

Berlin Community School
10.1994 - 12.1994

Master of Arts - Master of Arts in Special Education – Deaf And Har

California State University Northridge

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies with a concentration in American Sign Language

California State University, Northridge
Michele Smith