Jennifer Stewart – Children’s Book Author, Deaf Studies Professor, Speaker, and ASL Educator
Interactive school assemblies that introduce American Sign Language while inspiring empathy, inclusion, and communication
Author Biography:
Author and educator Jennifer Stewart has spent her life immersed in the Deaf community. As the daughter of a Deaf father, Jennifer grew up bilingual in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, an experience that shaped both her personal story and her professional path.
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language interpreting and a master’s degree in special education. She worked for several years as an ASL interpreter and has spent more than fifteen years working in early childhood and special education classrooms. Today, she serves as a college professor teaching Deaf Studies and American Sign Language.
Jennifer is also the founder of Signing Courses, an education platform that provides resources, curriculum, and professional development for educators who want to incorporate sign language into their classrooms to support communication and language development for young children.
Her children’s book, Deaf, like David, was inspired by her Deaf father and her experience growing up in the Deaf community. The book celebrates Deaf identity, family connection, and the beauty of American Sign Language while helping children learn simple ASL signs in an interactive and meaningful way.
Jennifer is also the author of ASL: A Comprehensive Guide to American Sign Language, published by Barron’s.
Speaking Engagements and School Presentations:
Helping Children Communicate Before They Can Speak
An engaging introduction to how communication develops in young children and how simple American Sign Language signs can help children express themselves before speech fully develops.
Discovering American Sign Language
An interactive program where students learn beginner ASL signs while exploring the beauty of visual language and communication.
Growing Up in the Deaf Community
A personal and educational talk about Deaf culture, communication, and what students can learn from the Deaf community about connection and understanding.
The Power of Communication
A presentation that helps students understand that communication can happen in many ways—through words, signs, expressions, and kindness.
Inclusion and Understanding Differences
Through story and conversation, students learn how empathy, inclusion, and respectful communication help build stronger communities.
Presentation Audience:
Preschool, Grades K-3, Grades 4-6
Book Type:
Picture book, Children's Fiction
Awards:
• Author of ASL: A Comprehensive Guide to American Sign Language (Barron’s Educational Series)
• Founder of Signing Courses, a national educator training platform for ASL in early childhood education
• Creator and Director of a college-level Deaf Studies program
• Over 15 years of experience in early childhood, special education, and ASL education
• Recognized speaker and presenter for educator training and professional development programs
Topics:
Bullying, Inspirational, Youth Issues, Self-Esteem, Religion/Spirituality, Character Education, Education/College Preparation/Special Education, Communication
