NZSL Level 2 Teachers Training in Auckland

The NZSL Board has funded Merge NZ to organise three teachers training sessions in 3 locations: Auckland, Palmerston North, and Christchurch. The trainings will be focusing heavily on TeachSign Level 2, with some attention given to NZSL Placement Assessment tool and a brief overview of Level 3.

The first round of NZSL Level 2 training was held at Auckland Deaf Society on the weekend of the 18th and 19th November 2023. These were delivered by Rachel Walker and Julie-Anne Taylor.

The training is essential for NZSL teachers to improve their skills and professional development in order to confidently deliver Level 2. Seven local participants attended and enjoyed learning the activities, supporting each other, and the highlight activity was 'Don't Sign It'.

The trainer, Rachel explained "The most exciting part was 'Don't Sign It' activity as participants were not aware that it was optional at the end of Unit 12 slides. Another important thing that it is crucial for all NZSL teachers to improve their teaching skills and maintain connections with other professional teachers."

The other trainer, Julie-Anne summarised "When teaching new content that has not been taught before by these teachers, the training has helped them better understand how to present the activities to the students. Some of them prefer to see how this works through role play rather than reading the tutor's instructions and it works well."

Merge NZ wants to express their gratitude to everyone involved, two amazing NZSL trainers, Rachel and Julie-Anne and all participants for your involvement. Thanks also goes to the NZSL Board for providing financial support to offer important Level 2 and 3 training to teachers who have already completed Level 1 teaching.

The next training will take place in Christchurch and Palmerston North, focusing on Level 2 and 3 training on the weekend of 24th and 25th February 2025. This training is free for those teachers who have taught Level 1 in the past. If you live outside of these cities, you will be eligible to get funding for your travel related expense.

Registration is now open here on TeachSign website.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact NZSLTA for more information about training.

Written by Sue Lessing
NZSL Learning & Development Co-ordinator
Merge NZ