A PROFOUNDLY deaf York St John University lecturer has been named Yorkshire and Humber’s Teacher Of The Year at an awards ceremony.

Amanda Smith, programme leader for British Sign Language (BSL) at the university, was nominated by her students for the annual Signature Award after they achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.

The award recognises teachers with drive and enthusiasm who work hard to build a society where deaf and deafblind people have full access.

Amanda’s nurturing and supportive approach while teaching BSL Levels one and two caught the eyes of the judging panel, along with her excellent teaching.

Amanda said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award. I have worked hard with the students to achieve their Signature exam pass and feel so proud for them.”

Jim Edwards, chief executive of Signature, a charity which promotes excellence in communication with deaf people, said: “Amanda’s teaching style is particularly inspirational and the pass rate speaks for itself.

“She also organises trips to nearby deaf clubs and even puts on celebratory meals to mark success at the end of term.

“She makes learning fun, which in turn gives students the confidence to go out and engage in BSL conversation with other people under their own steam.”

Amanda’s hard work is not only seen in her classes, but also in students’ lives outside of the university.

She works hard to improve the social lives of deaf students both in York St John and the local area. She also played a big part in the development of the York St John Sign Café, which is now being run as a society within the Students’ Union.

Diana Wetherell Terry, deputy dean of York St John Business School, said: “This achievement is testament to Amanda’s persistent hard work and dedication in providing an exceptional student experience.

“She is an outstanding, creative and innovative teacher who strives and achieves excellence in all she does.”

Following her success at the Signature awards, Amanda will soon be adding BSL Level three to her classes and has become a Teaching Fellow at the university to continue her research into deaf issues.