Edna F. Johnston
15802 Joyce Lane
Summary
Dynamic ASL Specialist with extensive experience at the Maryland School for the Deaf, specializing in curriculum development and quality assessment. Recognized for enhancing student IEP outcomes through strategic communication and collaborative efforts. Proven ability to coach and mentor staff, ensuring high standards of education and support. Committed to fostering inclusive learning environments that empower students.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ASL Specialist
Maryland School for the Deaf
01.2024 - Current
- Counseled regularly to refine IEP communication objectives for students.
- Crafted comprehensive IEP assessment reports.
- Conducted one-on-one student sessions.
- Designed resources to enhance ASL learning.
- Attended IEP, and IEP-related meetings, and staffings.
- Communicated with families and teaching staff about students' IEP progress.
- Provided school-wide professional development and participated in special events.
Teacher
Maryland School for the Deaf
Frederick
08.2005 - 01.2023
- Taught middle and high school students ASL and related subjects, such as Linguistics, Literature, Deaf Studies, and History.
- Taught high school students in English, World Literature, American Literature, Composition, Grammar and Journalism.
- Developed educational content and assessed assignments.
- Managed student interactions effectively.
- Wrote IEP goals, monitored progress, and participated in meetings.
Acting Chair
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago
01.2005 - 10.2005
- Supervised ASL-English Interpretation Department.
- Monitored the department's budget and approved expenses.
- Evaluated faculty and hired new instructors.
- Oversaw class scheduling and student advising.
- Chaired a search committee and hired a full-time Interpreter Coordinator.
- Led orientation sessions for freshman and transfer students.
- Executed the planning and facilitation of a multi-day, on-location 'Signing Naturally' training.
Tenured Faculty/Lead Instructor
Columbia College
08.1995 - 05.2005
- Taught ASL, Deaf Culture, ASL Linguistics, Advanced ASL Linguistics, and ASL Literature.
- Developed a curriculum for pre-interpreting classes.
- Supervised and hired faculty.
- Coordinated tutoring program and department events.
- Evaluated students for ASL assessment and placement.
- Advised during registration and independent projects.
- Earned outstanding feedback and evaluations on classroom instruction and student learning.
- Structured an ASL Studies minor course of study and launched a dedicated scholarship.
- Contributed to multiple college committees.
Research Associate
Columbia College
Chicago
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Conducted research with 11 regional deaf schools and programs.
- Contributed a seminal piece to the publication Odyssey about the role of residential schools in promoting deaf culture.
Education
EdS - Administration And Supervision
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC07-2008
MS - Deaf Education
McDaniel College
Westminster, MD08-1994
BS - ASL Studies
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC01.1993
BA - English: Literature
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC01.1993
Skills
- ASL instruction
- Curriculum development
- Team collaboration
- Public speaking
- Coaching and mentoring
- IEP development
- Student assessment
- Family communication
Affiliations
- ASL Teachers Association (ASLTA)
- Maryland ASL Teachers Association (MdASLTA)
Certification
- Highly Qualified in 7-12, Maryland State Department of Education, 2020-present
- Highly Qualified in ECE, Maryland State Department of Education, 2020
- ASLTA-Master level, 2026
- ASLPI certified (Professional/Master), 2002-2026
Degree
EdS
Publications
- Teachers, employees at MSD vote to unionize, Frederick News Post, Feb. 7, 2023
- Maryland School for the Deaf- a sanctuary for language- celebrates 150 years of progressive education, Frederick News Post, June 16, 2018
- Historical and Etymological Dictionary of ASL, Shaw and Delaporte, 2014
- Deaf Proverbs: Teacher Guide and Student Workbook, Ken Glickman, 2007
- Abridged Translation of Dr. Robert Johnson's 17-page Open Letter to the Community on Gallaudet University's United for Gallaudet Protest, 2006
- The Field of Certified Deaf Interpreting, Conference of Interpreters News, April 2005
- Deaf Culture is program's focal point, Chicago Tribune, November 7, 2004
- ASL in 24 Hours, Trudy Suggs, 2003
- The Canadian ASL Dictionary, 2002
- Deaf Parents and Their Hearing Children, Jenny Singleton, 2000
Community Service
- 2024-present, Steward, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Chapter #4828, Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD)
- 2022-2024, President, AFT, chapter #4828, MSD
- 2022-present, Board Member, National Center for Deaf Advocacy
- 2021-2024, Sponsor, Class of 2024, MSD
- 2020, Teacher Mentor, Special Needs class, MSD
- 2019, Christmas Storyteller, Preschool, MSD
Hobbies and Interests
- French Sign Language
- Filming for ASL preservation
- Working with families of deaf children
Teaching Assignments
- Raritan Valley Community College, ASL 2 Online, Summer/Fall 2020, Spring 2021
- Catonsville College of Baltimore County, ASL 1, 3, 4, 5, 2007 - 2014
- Frederick Community College, Deaf Culture, ASL 1, 3, 4, 2005-2006, 2008
- Gallaudet University, Various courses, 2005-2022
- McDaniel College, Deaf Culture, graduate level, 2008
- Towson University, Various courses, 2013-2022
Presentations
- 04/2025, Medical Signs in ASL
- 04/2025, Conversational Skills in ASL, ASDC
- 2023, Teenage Slang workshop
- 2022, Teenage Slang workshops
- 2021, Women History Month, Middle School, Maryland School for the Deaf
- 2020, ASL Weekend, ASDC, CA
- 2019, Teenage Slang in ASL, Statewide Interpreter Conference, MD
- 2018, Deaf as a Disability vs. Deaf Pride, FCC, MD
- 2017, Classifiers: Part One, CCBC, MD
- 2016, ASL Weekend, ASDC, Columbia, MD
Accomplishments
2022-24
President of American Federation of Teachers, #4828, with the union achieving collective bargaining with 99 percent vote and the first MOU ever.
2021
"Marie J. Philip Memorial Award" by American Sign Language Teachers Association, which is for a K-12 instructor teaching ASL as a heritage/world language, actively involved in expanding language and literacy opportunities outside of the classroom.
2009
President of Maryland Association of the Deaf
1993
Phi Kappa Zeta's "True Sister" award, Gallaudet University
1993
"Best Actress" award for "The Congresswomen" play, Gallaudet University
1988
"Service Above Self", Occupational Therapists Organization, Maryland School for the Deaf
Languages
American Sign Language
Professional
English
Professional
French Sign Language
Elementary
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
ASL Specialist
Maryland School for the Deaf
01.2024 - Current
Teacher
Maryland School for the Deaf
08.2005 - 01.2023
Acting Chair
Columbia College Chicago
01.2005 - 10.2005
Tenured Faculty/Lead Instructor
Columbia College
08.1995 - 05.2005
Research Associate
Columbia College
01.1995 - 01.1997
EdS - Administration And Supervision
Gallaudet University
MS - Deaf Education
McDaniel College
BS - ASL Studies
Gallaudet University
BA - English: Literature
Gallaudet University
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