BSL Tutor

Teaching British Sign Language (BSL) is a competitive profession and requires fluency in BSL, a solid understanding of deaf issues and a teaching qualification.

Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net

Signature, the largest awarding body in the UK for BSL qualifications, has no minimum requirements for tutors to teach their courses. Signature approve centres to teach their courses and it is up to the centre to employ suitable tutors for the course. They do recommend that teachers have qualifications and experience in the subject they are teaching. It may therefore be advisable to become qualified in the level above what you intend to teach.

In September 2007, the government introduced a minimum requirement for all teachers (across all subjects) to have a recognised teaching qualification. This applies to everyone who intends to enter the lifelong learning sector after 2001. See Lifelong Learning UK for information about how to gain a qualification.

BSL classes are usually held in the evening or at weekends, therefore prospective tutors need to be aware of this before considering the role. Some educational bodies and centres may hold courses in the daytime, however many working adults attend BSL courses so evening and weekend courses are popular for this reason.