Language education is essential for the maintenance and growth of endangered languages. However, a shortage of trained NZSL teachers is a cause for concern when it comes to preserving and growing one of New Zealand’s official languages.
Each year at Merge NZ, the number of NZSL students increases by approximately 270%, while the average growth of NZSL teachers each year is only 5%. NZSL teachers must complete courses in Deaf Studies and NZSL Teaching at Victoria University of Wellington to become qualified, and the university accepts a limited intake of students every two years. If NZSL teachers are unable to enrol in this programme, it is difficult for them to received training throughout the year due to a lack of available funding and resources.
As the demand for qualified teachers grows, the NZSLTA (New Zealand Sign Language Teachers Association) is feeling the pressure. The NZSTLA currently consists of 97 members, and only 67 of them are qualified to teach higher level courses in all parts of New Zealand, including rural areas of the country. If the NZSLTA cannot meet the increasing demand for NZSL classes, they are concerned that potential students will turn to hearing people who want to teach NZSL without the appropriate training and qualifications. The WFD (World Federation of the Deaf) has stated the importance of having Deaf people at the forefront of sign language education, and Deaf people must be given the opportunities to teach their native language.
Another concern in New Zealand is the lack of NZSL teachers who are qualified to teach intermediate and advanced levels. Family, friends, and teachers of Deaf children need access to highly skilled NZSL teachers so they can communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children in depth and have essential conversations about a range of topics. In these situations, beginner level NZSL will not suffice.
How can we improve this situation? Since Merge NZ was first established in 2017, our team of 25 NZSL teachers and trainee tutors has delivered NZSL courses to almost 10,000 students. We prioritise professional development and provide our teaching team with opportunities to upskill. One of these professional development opportunities will take place next year, thanks to funding from NZSTA (NZ Language Teachers Association). Merge NZ has received $5,100 to send a team of our teachers to the NZSTLA conference in Northland in June 2025.
This conference is just one step towards remedying the NZSL teacher shortage here in Aotearoa. We hope to see an increase in qualified Deaf NZSL teachers who can help NZSL to grow and thrive.
Note from the Editor:
We apologise for the confusion regarding the funding mentioned in the original blog. The correct information is that the funding was provided by the New Zealand Language Teachers Association (NZLTA), not the New Zealand Sign Language Teachers Association (NZSLTA).
Comments