NZSL Level 2 Teachers Trainings in Palmerston North & Christchurch

In a world where inclusivity and diversity are becoming increasingly important, the need for training for NZSL teachers is more important than ever.

With support of NZSL Fund, three successful training sessions were held in three different cities: Auckland, Palmerston North, and Christchurch. The first training tool place in Auckland in November of last year. Following the success of the Auckland training, Palmerston North and Christchurch hosted their training sessions on the weekend of February 24th and 25th, 2024. A group of 19 NZSL teachers attended these workshops with enthusiasm, eager to improve their teaching abilities.

The trainings sessions primarily focused on TeachSign Level 2, with additional attention given to the NZSL Level 1 Placement Assessment tool and a brief overview of Level 3. Since many NZSL teachers are teaching Level 1 courses in New Zealand, it is crucial to prepare them to teach Level 2 effectively.

At the training sessions, the trainers provided valuable insights and guidance to the NZSL teachers. In Christchurch, trainers Benazir Black Nirvana Graham and Victoria Green, along with Sara Pivac Alexander and Shannon Morris in Palmerston North, shared their expertise and passion. The participants (teachers) engaged in interactive activities, group discussions, and conversations exclusively in NZSL to improve their understanding of effective teaching strategies.

The NZSL teacher training workshops in all three cities were highly successful, thanks to the dedicated NZSL trainers, enthusiastic teachers, and volunteers. Merge NZ director, Victoria Lessing stated, “It is encouraging to see these NZSL teachers equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. Together, we can all create more inclusive and supportive employment opportunities for Deaf/NZSL teachers and enhance educational opportunities for learners at a higher level throughout New Zealand.”

Furthermore, the benefits of training NZSL teachers extend beyond personal growth. Within the Deaf community, it can empower individuals to become leaders in the field of NZSL teaching. Here's to more successful training workshops in the future!

Article provided by Merge NZ