Sarah Kozola brings new language opportunities and a unique personality to South this year as South’s first American Sign Language (ASL) teacher.
Kozola has been using ASL for 11 years, teaching Deaf and hard of hearing students; however, this is her first year teaching the language.
When she discovered that Deaf education was an option, Kozola changed her teaching focus.
“I went to Illinois State with a teaching major; I always knew I wanted to be a teacher but I was geared towards math,” Kozola said. “I didn’t even know Deaf education was an option.”
Kozola teaches at South for three periods, and then travels to Plainfield Central to teach there the rest of the day. She hopes to come back to South after school on Mondays to host ASL Club.
Her students also speak highly of her as a teacher.
“She’s a very helpful teacher with a bubbly personality,” sophomore, Giovanni Pfersdorf said. “She always makes sure people understand things before moving on.”
Kozola’s class focuses on both ASL and the Deaf culture that uses it. The class is interesting to her students due to how different ASL is from another language.
After only teaching here for a month, Kozola has made her mark. Some of her peers, including Spanish teacher Jessica Nechvatal, say she is a teacher who stands out.
“She’s friendly, she has a warm personality, and she seems very creative,” Nechvatal said.
Kozola’s friendliness is evident in her interactions with the Deaf Community.
“It’s [ASL] given me a way to interact with this culture,” Kozola said.
Kozola had the opportunity to speak at conferences in the Deaf community. Due to her ability to use ASL, Kozola has made friends and participated in Deaf events all over the state.
Outside of school Kozola lives a healthy lifestyle. She enjoys playing volleyball, running and spending time with friends and family.