- Alumni panel discussion: Graduates serving as Teachers of the Deaf will discuss their academic journeys, day‑to‑day work and professional experiences.
- Interactive voice‑off workshop: Students will participate in games, storytelling exercises and activities designed to build signing confidence.
- Silent snack session: A relaxed opportunity for conversational signing and peer interaction.
- Admissions information: Staff will share guidance on academic pathways, program options and next steps for students considering a future in Deaf education.
- Optional student‑led campus tour: Visitors may explore the PennWest Edinboro campus with current students.
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PennWest Edinboro to host ASL career exploration event
Turn Your Passion into Your Profession set for March 25
PennWest’s School of Education will welcome students from across the region on Wednesday, March 25, for Turn Your Passion into Your Profession, an interactive program introducing learners to careers in Deaf education and related fields.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 143 of the Frank G. Pogue Student Center on the PennWest Edinboro campus.
Led by Dr. Karen Lindeman, professor of early childhood and elementary education at PennWest and coordinator for the PA Deaf Education Consortium, the program is being held in collaboration with PennWest alumni now working as teachers of the Deaf and members of the local Deaf community. Area high school American Sign Language classes and clubs have been invited to participate.
“This program reflects PennWest’s commitment to strengthening the pipeline of future Teachers of the Deaf and expanding access to careers that support Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing learners,” said Lindeman, who spent 20 years in the public and private sector as an early intervention specialist, teacher of the deaf and educational interpreter.
The program is supported by a Developing Future Educators Grant through the Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education. The grant is part of the state-level APR initiative, which focuses on attracting more students to the field, preparing more teachers for the work and retaining them in the profession long term.
Turn Your Passion into Your Profession is designed to give students a clear view of opportunities in Deaf education and demonstrate how interest in American Sign Language can translate into meaningful careers. Throughout the morning, participants will engage in activities that promote communication, connection and practical skill-building.
Program Highlights:
Members of the local Deaf community will also share their personal and professional journeys. A certified interpreter will be present to ensure accessibility and to demonstrate interpreting as a professional career path.
“By connecting high school students directly with professionals, alumni and community members, the event offers a practical look at the skills, preparation and opportunities within the field,” Lindeman said.
Transportation funding is available for high school ASL clubs or ASL classes who are interested in attending the event. For more information, contact Lindeman at klindeman@pennwest.edu.