British Sign Language Teacher

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

16 to 30 term time

evenings occasionally

How To Become a British Sign Language Teacher

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
working towards this role
training with a professional body

College / University

You can do a foundation degree or a degree in British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf studies.

at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You can do a Level 1 and 2 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) before moving on to a higher level qualification.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

You can start as a sign language teaching assistant or communication support worker and do training on the job to get a British Sign Language (BSL) qualification at level 3 or higher. You can then do further study for a teaching or training qualification to become a BSL teacher.

You can also train in BSL, if you're already working as a teacher in a school or college.

Other Routes

You can complete British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications with a professional body like Signature or the Institute of British Sign Language. These organisations offer qualifications from introductory level up to level 6.

It is recommended that you work towards a Level 6 Certificate in British Sign Language, if you want be a BSL teacher.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
the ability to work well with others
knowledge of English language
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to understand people’s reactions
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day duties will depend on the age group you’re working with, but you may:

plan and prepare lessons
teach students to learn sign language
teach curriculum subjects to pupils, using sign language
set project work and mark essays and exams
check students' progress
work with staff teams to develop new courses and teaching materials
talk to parents and carers about their children's progress
take part in meetings and events like open days
attend professional development training courses
maintain and update student records

Working Environment

You could work at a school, at a special needs school, at a language school, at a college or in the community.

Career Path & Progression

You could become a British Sign Language (BSL) teaching co-ordinator in a school or college, or take on responsibility for building links with employers to offer work experience opportunities to students.

You could also do further training to broaden your employment options, including courses in lipspeaking, deafblind communication and deaf awareness.

You could work freelance or set up your own BSL teacher agency, supplying teachers who have BSL skills.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a British Sign Language teacher from Signature and the Institute of British Sign Language.

Restrictions & Requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks