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Active - Public

American Sign Language

Hello! I look forward to getting to know you! I recently got married and my husband is in the Army. I have many years of experience teaching ASL with a variety of students. I have a passion for teaching and have wanted to become a teacher since I was 16 years old! I love working with students of all ages. I have helped children as young as 3 years old and students 50+ find their passion for American Sign Language. Sign Language isn't a fad, but is a true language with a beautiful culture, community, and experiences that make it what it is. Having such strong knowledge when it pertains to students in educational settings has helped my teaching when it comes to ASL. I am so excited to work together and look forward to seeing you in my class!

Slang is generally defined as informal language (words, phrases, and idioms) that is usually spoken or signed rather than written, peculiar to a particular group of people. It's often restricted to a particular context or group of people. These terms are often playful and trendy used by a group or generation.

Sign Language Slang/Idioms 

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Founded in 1893 at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois, Alpha Xi Delta is one of the oldest women&rsquo;s fraternal organizations in the United States. Alpha Xi Delta is a progressive organization dedicated to the personal growth of women. Through membership in Alpha Xi Delta, Sisters are inspired to realize their potential through the ideals our Founders instilled in our Fraternity: Sisterhood, leadership, knowledge and service to our communities.

Our Mission Statement, Vision &amp; The Symphony of Alpha Xi Delta are words our Sisters live by and inspire our Fraternity every day.

American Sign Language Cord for Top of Class

The teacher's use of language provides an important model for children's vocabulary development. By modeling the use of sophisticated words, teachers can promote students' vocabulary growth and word consciousness. In this article, the research support for this approach is explained, suggestions are provided for how teachers might accomplish this goal, and examples are shared from teachers who have done it successfully.

Multiple Methods, Multiple Modalities, and Meaningful Modeling Training

The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is a holistic language evaluation used to determine global ASL proficiency. The basic precept in this type of evaluation is to find out through a face-to-face interview what an individual can do with the target language at a given point in time. The ASLPI is a 20-25 minute video recorded interactive dialogue between the examinee and the interviewer. The interview is rated by a team of evaluators and examinees are awarded an overall proficiency level on a 0-5 rating scale. Language proficiency evaluation was originally developed by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the US Department of State and has been used by the government for decades. Adaptations to the language proficiency evaluation were made with respect to ASL and the ASLPI was born. The ASLPI is utilized by agencies, schools, universities, programs and employers.

Passing of the ASLPI (American Sign Language Proficiency Interview)

Arizona Educator Proficiency Examinations (AEPA) are a series of tests for individuals who wish to earn teaching certification in Arizona. Prospective teachers sit for different examinations depending upon what level and subject they wish to teach. All tests are computer-based and are available at Pearson test centers throughout Arizona and the rest of the United States.

The Assessment of Professional Knowledge exams are designed to measure the competencies of educators within the school environment. Candidates take one of three different exams taken within 3 hours.

Assessment of Professional Knowledge: 
Elementary	100 multiple choice, 2 written assignments	
Focuses on:
Concepts of human development, uses of formal and informal assessment, developing relationships with other professionals

The score for each AEPA exam is calculated as a result between 100 and 300. You will need to earn a minimum score of 240 in order to pass these exams. Some exams have multiple sections, such as a performance assignment section and a selected-response section. In that case, your score will be calculated by combining your performance on each of these sections according to a pre-determined scale.

Passing of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Examinations (AEPA) Assessment of Professional Knowledge-Elementary

In 2009, the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) issued a Joint Position Statement that gave a much needed definition for early childhood inclusion.

"Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society.

The desired results of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include:

A sense of belonging and membership,
Positive social relationships and friendships, and
The development and learning to reach their full potential.
The defining features of inclusion that can be used to identify high-quality early childhood programs and services are access, participation, and support."

Create accessible learning environments (Access)
Encourage play, learning, and membership (Participation)
Helping parents and providers find information and assistance (Support)

Preschool Inclusion Training

The standards establish guidelines for English language arts (ELA) as well as for literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. Because students must learn to read, write, speak, listen, and use language effectively in a variety of content areas, the standards promote the literacy skills and concepts required for college and career readiness in multiple disciplines.
The skills and knowledge captured in the ELA/literacy standards are designed to prepare students for life outside the classroom. They include critical-thinking skills and the ability to closely and attentively read texts in a way that will help them understand and enjoy complex works of literature. Students will learn to use cogent reasoning and evidence collection skills that are essential for success in college, career, and life. The standards also lay out a vision of what it means to be a literate person who is prepared for success in the 21st century.

ELA Standards Training

identify signs of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
understand your legal obligations as a mandated reporter as defined by your state.
know the steps for reporting, including essential information to provide, including if there is a mandated reporter hotline for your state.
understand the value of your role as a mandated reporter and name potential positive outcomes of reporting.
name the basic skills of handling a child’s disclosure of maltreatment.

Recognizing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect Training

Child sexual abuse is likely the most prevalent health problem children face, with the most serious array of consequences. In fact, 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday.

This means that whether you work with youth, are a parent, or are simply a member of a community, it is highly likely that someone you know or care for has experienced, or is currently experiencing, child sexual abuse. It’s going to happen whether you are prepared to deal with it or not – unless you stop it from happening. And the good news is it can be stopped. This course was designed to help you notice these details that can prevent abuse from taking place.

Stewards of Children Training

Early Learning standards in Arizona. Inclusive Practices, and how to collaborate effectively in teams.

Professional Development

Teaching a classroom of 30 children including lesson planning and managing aids for the classroom.
Worked with the Special Needs students that had IEP’s and data that needed to be collected on a daily
basis.
Kept in contact with 30+ parents, keeping them updated on their child’s progress and getting them involved in the classroom.
Extensive professional development is done for 8-10 hours a month.

Special Education Teacher - Hearing Impaired Students (Preschool)

Worked with a class of students using ASL in all academic areas to support language growth.
Was evaluated weekly and had to keep up-to-date records on the progress of students.
Worked with parents in IEP meetings and provided details on student progress weekly.
Worked side by side with a seasoned 30 year teacher within the school district.

Special Education Teacher - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (Elementary)

Went to 15+ schools in the district and worked with students from Prek-12th grade with sign language skills, math, reading, writing, and self advocacy skills.

Itinerant Teacher - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (Pre-k-12)

AmericanSignLanguage

English

My classes emphasize an assessment of each student's strengths and weaknesses and are then tailored to meet their individual needs. My extensive educational background and numerous certifications ensure the student is getting the highest quality instruction possible. Classes are interactive and students will be immersed in Deaf situations, learn to turn voices off over time, and role play as needed to become stronger signers. My goal is to bring you to a conversational level and to help you build your understanding of grammar, expressive and receptive language, and situational vocabulary. Depending on your level and needs, I will be providing supplemental materials, videos, written materials, and other creative tools to deepen your language understanding. Most importantly, I build long-lasting relationships with my students, meeting on a regular basis, covering all aspects of skill-building, test prep, and organization. 

BACKGROUND 
•I worked in 3+ school districts and assisted students with special needs. 
•I have helped children as young as 3 years old and older than 50+ find their passion for American Sign Language.
•CSUN Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies. 
•U of A Master’s Degree-Deaf/Hard of Hearing Teacher Preparation Program and Accelerated Master’s Program. 
•Passed the ASLPI (American Sign Language Proficiency Exam) through Gallaudet University. 
•Was a teacher of the deaf and an *itinerant teacher for the entire school district. *Itinerant teachers (also called "visiting" or "peripatetic" teachers) are traveling schoolteachers. They are sometimes specialized to work in their trade or field of special education as well as providing individual tutoring.

The additional ($24) program I use to teach lessons has been approved and endorsed by Gallaudet University and has met the standards for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). It has also been accepted as an appropriate curriculum by TEKS or the Texas Essential Knowledge standards for Texas High school students. If you would like to take the course information to your school to see if it is accepted for credits whether that be for high school or college, please let me know. (The addition of this program is not required, but it does support retention for serious students.) 

To get the most out of our lessons, I recommend 10-15 lessons to start with as this ensures you have time to learn and grow as a student, as language learning happens over time. My priority is to help you succeed. I also realize that everyone learns differently. This is why all of my tutoring/teaching/mentoring is 100% individualized. I plan according to your goals, your learning style, and your challenges. My students get results because their learning is tailored to their individual needs.

TUTORING OPTIONS: 

Private Lessons: From beginner to advanced, lessons are tailored to your level and needs, with use of videos, materials, and other tools as needed for success. 

Homework Assistance: Taking an ASL class and feeling lost? Let me help! We’ll work with your class lessons and makes them understandable! 

Group Classes: Want to work with your friends on learning? now you can! (Use the ASK A QUESTION button to set up group rates.) 

Family Classes: Deaf family member and need support? I am here to help facilitate communication! 

Baby Sign Language Classes: Advocates report that taking baby sign language classes enables children to communicate effectively before speech evolves and improves language acquisition and parent-child bonding. Baby sign language is NOT American Sign Language with all its syntax and structure, but uses signs from ASL in a way a baby can comprehend and utilize them.

Other reasons to take ASL classes include: Continued Education, valuable curriculum for homeschooled students, provides work or business language support (valuable for medical personnel, audiologists, behavior clinic specialists, etc.)

For students age 8 and under, I recommend 15- to 30-minute sessions. Please contact me for that special pricing. (Use the ASK A QUESTION button) 

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: Total immersion gives the language learner the best chance at acquiring a new language. Just as moving to another country can strengthen language, in American Sign Language it is important to get involved in the community, watch videos, movies, read books, and use the voice-off method that has been known to support student growth. In each lesson, I strive to include Deaf experience situations and opportunities to immerse the student even further. These methods have been tried and true for decades, and as you become more comfortable over time, they will feel like second nature and provide you with results.

Extremely knowledgeable, patient, and fun to work with!!!!

Marissa is very knowledgeable in her field. She really takes the time to break down why signs look a certain way and the difference between SEE and ASL and why it is so important to look for videos and materials that do not use Signed Exact English. My first few lessons with her and I am already able to sign enough words to start a conversation. More importantly I am learning to be grammatically correct from day one so I won't need to correct it later down the line. Cannot wait for my next class!

Marissa has helped me learn sign language. I am on my fifth lesson today with her and I look forward to our meetings.

Marissa is an amazing ASL teacher. She always challenges me to grow in ASL. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of ASL. She is kind and encouraging. I would highly recommend her for anyone who is wanting to learn or sharpen their ASL skills.

Marissa is an amazing ASL teacher and she has helped my daughter learn ASL in more ways than I could have imagined. Thank you Marissa for everything you do!

Marissa is great! She is a wonderful teacher who is patient, knowledgeable,  and organized. My daughter really loves learning from her. She is also easy to communicate and schedule with. I would definitely recommend her to teach any age.

Marissa really helped me with my class assignments, she explained it so I could understand and I got A in both classes. Thank you so much
🤟Roslyn

I've been taking lessons with Marissa for about six months now, and cannot put into words how much she has assisted me in progressing in my high school ASL class. ASL has recently become something that I am extremely passionate about, and Marissa has been there every step of the way with encouragement, challenging me to step out of my comfort zone, as well as be the most fluid and natural signer I can be. She has patience, excitement, and passion you won't find in another ASL teacher. I could not recommend her more to a fellow student like me, or really anyone that wants to dive into the fascinating world of American Sign Language!

Marissa has been a fantastic teacher! She has helped me come such a long way. She's been going at my speed and is tailoring the lessons to be perfectly in-line with my needs. If you're really looking for the best person to teach you ASL, look no further!

Great teacher overall. Rather than just teaching the signs she goes over the history and other parts of deaf culture of witch is vital for understanding ASL and deaf people in general. She does sometimes have to cancel but all for valid reasons and is very flexible when if comes to missing a lesson

Marissa is such a great teacher! Her knowledge of ASL and deaf culture has helped me learn so much in such a short amount of time. If you’re looking for an ASL class, this is it! Professional, friendly and knowledgeable.

I have been working with Marissa for going on 4 months now, and I couldn't be more happy with her ! She is extremely educated in ASL and makes learning fun. Marissa is patient, kind and personable with her students and finds different ways to teach you if you are not understanding. When I began learning sign, I was frustrated with my lack of knowledge in sign and she taught me a breathing technique that helped me so much and I brought that to the classroom at the college I attend. She is extremely kind and generous with her time, I have had to cancel last minute in the past and we worked around that and she still found time to fit me in the same week. Marissa has even gone as far to tutor me on her own time during the weekend due to my insane schedule and due dates for school. I would not be where I am in ASL without her and am SO grateful for her time. Not to mention that she is a beautiful person who truly cares about her students. She is worth every penny and I couldn't recommend her more!

Lovely first lesson, she is a great communicator and her lessons were well adjusted to fit my needs. I look forward to the next lesson!

An amazing teacher, was very flexible with my work schedule. Recommend her 120 minutes offer. She will leave you wanting to learn more. Thank you again!

Amazing first session with Marissa! She is very kind, professional, and has a great disposition for teaching. I am excited to continue my journey with her through asl.

If you are just starting to learn about the world of cooking it is necessary to start with the terminology. Cooks use this language everyday to communicate in the kitchen and read recipes!

Cooking

Cooking Terminology

Learn the signs for different family members and people!

Family and Pronoun Signs!

Ever wonder what the tips and tricks are to increase your ability to understand fingerspelling? Well in this video we will discuss the 3 ways you can improve receptive fingerspelling and practice catching a few signs in the process for practice! Happy signing!

Learn the Basics of Fingerspelling!

Learn how to sign all 50 states! Some states have a name sign while others are abbreviated!
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Learn the Signs for all 50 States!

Learn the colors in American Sign Language with Marissa!

Colors! Colors! Colors! 

Need help mastering your numbers? Have no fear! In this video, I walk you through how the numbers should be signed as well as slowing down so you can sign along with me! Enjoy!

Numbers 1-20 in American Sign Language

Learn the tips and tricks to accurately and effectively sign the Alphabet from A-Z! Let's do it together!

Letters of the Alphabet with Marissa

Signing the lyrics to the song! Hope you enjoy!
Musical theatre and singing is a passion but ASL conveys so much emotion which is why I LOVE signing songs!

ASL - Out there from Hunchback of Notre Dame

In this video, we discuss the fundamental things that make a good cook a great cook!
Even if you are new to cooking there are so many mathematical and technique-based rules and processes that determine how well a dish will turn out. It is vital to understand the basics before diving deeper into the world of cooking.

10 Habits of an Effective Cook!

Learn the importance of proper etiquette in Deaf culture! 
In this video, we will be discussing the importance of an immersive environment, attention grabbers, which hand should be your dominant signing hand, the direction in the signing space, and backchanneling.
Also included is:
a few basic signs to get you started
introduction to sentence making
introduction to fingerspelling

Sign Language Slang/Idioms - American Sign Language Class

About Marissa P.

Class reviews

Marissa's American Sign Language videos