Faculty Development and the Bilingual Mission

Dr. Dirksen Bauman, Coordinator for Bilingual Teaching and Learning
Dr. Stephen M. Nover, Director, Language Planning Institute

A key aspect of implementing the bilingual mission at Gallaudet is the formation of a systematic Professional Development Plan dedicated to increasing knowledge about language planning, bilingualism and research-based bilingual teaching practices. Beginning in the summer of 2009, a group of faculty convened to form the first cohort of the ASL/English Bilingual Professional Development group. This initial group, listed below, met throughout the fall semester 2009. Each semester will feature a new cohort of faculty.

By the conclusion of this training program, participants will:

* Identify the central characteristics and essential features of bilingual education models such as immersion education, dual language programs, developmental bilingual education, and foreign/second language immersion;
* Acquire a basic working knowledge of the current research on first- and second-language and literacy acquisition and learning;
* Provide a rationale, supported by theory and research, for implementing an ASL/English bilingual program;
* Develop and implement strategies for using bilingual approaches in the classroom.
* Assume a leadership role in respective departments as a consultant and mentor for implementing bilingual strategies and techniques

ASL Version forthcoming

Click here to see members of the Bilingual Professional Development Work Group