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Expert American Sign Language Instructor and Literacy Specialist
Rory G.

5.0 (3 ratings)

5 hours tutoring

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About Rory

Bio

Hello! My name is Rory.
I was born Hard of Hearing and grew up using both American Sign Language and spoken English, giving me a unique perspective on language, communication, and learning.

I earned my bachelor's degree in Deaf and Disability Studies from California State University, Northridge, where I worked as a tutor and student mentor at the National Center on Deafness. I later earned my master's degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design from the University of San Diego, along...

Hello! My name is Rory.
I was born Hard of Hearing and grew up using both American Sign Language and spoken English, giving me a unique perspective on language, communication, and learning.

I earned my bachelor's degree in Deaf and Disability Studies from California State University, Northridge, where I worked as a tutor and student mentor at the National Center on Deafness. I later earned my master's degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design from the University of San Diego, along with my Multiple Subject, Education Specialist, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing teaching credentials.

Over the past ten years, I have taught students ranging from transitional kindergarten to college age in a variety of settings and across many subject areas. I currently work as a Teacher of the Deaf, where I have the privilege of supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing students while partnering closely with their families. One of my greatest passions is teaching American Sign Language to both curious hearing learners and Deaf students and their families. As a native signer and an active member of the Deaf community, I believe that ASL is much more than a language—it is deeply connected to the rich culture, history, and experiences of the Deaf community. As the saying goes, "To understand a language, you must understand its people." My goal is to help students not only learn to sign with confidence, but also develop a genuine appreciation for the community behind the language.

Throughout my career, I have worked with students who have a wide variety of learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds, which has taught me that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to learning. I enjoy finding what makes each student "tick," and tailoring learning to make it engaging, meaningful, and even fun. Whether you are looking for extra support, want to get ahead, or simply need someone who can explain things in a way that makes sense, I would love to help you reach your goals!

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Education

California State University Northridge
Disability Studies
University of San Diego
Masters
  • Licensed teacher

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $38
  • Rate details: Contact me with further questions regarding my rate. I would be happy to work with you!
  • Lesson cancellation: 2 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 6/26/2026

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

CBEST

CBEST

As a credentialed Teacher, I've been there! The CBEST can be a challenge- but passing is very much possible. I passed the exam in 2019 with a plethora of studying, as well as the many other teaching exams such as the CSET, the RICA, as well as the CALTPA. Let's work together and help you get that passing score!
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I received my teaching credentials from the University of San Diego, where I also received my Master's in Curriculum and Instructional Design. I have 7+ years of experience working as a classroom teacher, and I have taught grades K-6. I am well-versed in the world of Elementary education!
English

English

Language has always been one of my greatest strengths and passions. Throughout school, I excelled in English and literature, taking Honors and AP English courses that built a strong foundation in reading, writing, grammar, and communication. I later earned my bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies, where studying American Sign Language and linguistics gave me a unique understanding of how language is acquired and how to break down complex English vocabulary and grammar into meaningful, accessible concepts. After completing my master's degree in Education, I developed evidence-based teaching strategies that allow me to adapt instruction to each learner's individual needs. I also successfully passed the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), a rigorous teaching certification exam that requires a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based literacy instruction, including whole-language and balanced literacy approaches, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and writing instruction. Whether I am working with children or adults, I focus on creating a supportive, engaging environment that builds confidence, encourages real-world communication, and helps students make lasting progress in English.
ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I earned my bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies, where I extensively studied the complex processes that contribute to language acquisition, linguistics, and the process of learning and teaching a second language. My master's degree in Education provided me with evidence-based instructional strategies for differentiating instruction and supporting diverse learners, and I also earned my California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an English Learner (ELL) Authorization, equipping me with specialized training in effective instruction for multilingual students. In addition, I successfully passed the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), a rigorous teaching certification exam demonstrating proficiency in evidence-based literacy instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and writing. In my tutoring sessions, I focus on creating comprehensible input that meets learners at their current level while gradually building their confidence and independence. I help students identify transferable vocabulary and language patterns, make meaningful connections between English and the languages they already know, and practice using English in authentic, real-world situations.
Hard of Hearing

Hard of Hearing

Born Hard of Hearing, I was taught Sign Language alongside spoken English. I have been involved in the Deaf Community since I was born, and have worked as a Teacher of the Deaf for 7+ years. I have taught Deaf and Hard of hearing students of all kind; those that use ASL only, as well as auditory/oral students who use spoken language. As a hard-of-hearing educator (and once a Hard-of-hearing student), I am no stranger to the obstacles we face in our attempt to access a quality education. Let's work together to build your confidence in whatever subject matter you are attempting to tackle!
Reading

Reading

My background combines a strong foundation in language, literacy, and education. I earned my bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies, where my studies in American Sign Language, linguistics, and language acquisition gave me a deep understanding of how language develops and how to make complex literacy concepts accessible to diverse learners. As a bilingual communicator in ASL and English, I have firsthand experience understanding the structure of language and the importance of making learning meaningful and comprehensible. I also earned my master's degree in Education, where I studied evidence-based literacy instruction and learned how to differentiate reading instruction to meet each learner's unique strengths and needs. In addition, I hold a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an English Learner (ELL) Authorization and successfully passed the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), a rigorous certification exam demonstrating proficiency in the science of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, writing, and effective literacy instruction. My approach to teaching reading goes beyond helping students sound out words. I focus on building strong foundational literacy skills while fostering a genuine love of reading through engaging, meaningful experiences. I create instruction that is comprehensible, personalized, and connected to students' interests and prior knowledge, helping them develop vocabulary, comprehension, critical thinking, and confidence as readers. Whether I am working with beginning readers, struggling readers, English language learners, or students with diverse learning needs, my goal is to make reading an enjoyable, empowering experience that supports lifelong learning.
Sign Language

Sign Language

Born Hard of Hearing, I was taught Sign Language alongside spoken English. I have been involved in the Deaf Community since I was born, and have worked as a Teacher of the Deaf for 7+ years. ASL is my natural language, and I'm happy to share my knowledge with others!
Special Needs

Special Needs

I earned my B.A. in Deaf Studies and Disability Studies from California State University, Northridge, where I developed a strong foundation in disability studies, educational equity, and accessible instructional practices. Building on this, I completed my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of San Diego before earning my Education Specialist Credential. Through my graduate coursework and classroom experience, I developed expertise in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, comprehensible input, and evidence-based strategies that ensure all students can meaningfully access grade-level curriculum. My approach centers on designing inclusive learning experiences tailored to a student's strengths and interests, and providing support that empowers the learner to achieve greatness through their own confidence and autonomy!
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I excelled in English and literature, completing Honors and AP English courses before earning my bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies. Growing up a bilingual learner, as well as through my studies in linguistics and language acquisition, I developed a deep appreciation for how vocabulary is learned, how words are connected through meaning and structure, and how building a rich vocabulary strengthens every aspect of language. As a bilingual communicator in ASL and English, I understand that vocabulary is much more than memorizing definitions; it is about making meaningful connections between words, concepts, and real-life experiences. My master's degree in Education, California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an English Learner (ELL) Authorization, and successful completion of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) have provided me with evidence-based strategies for teaching vocabulary development, literacy, and language comprehension to learners with diverse backgrounds and abilities. My approach to vocabulary instruction is interactive, engaging, and personalized. Rather than teaching isolated word lists, I help students discover patterns in language, identify root words, prefixes, suffixes, synonyms, antonyms, multiple-meaning words, and context clues that allow them to independently determine the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary. I also emphasize transferable vocabulary knowledge, helping students recognize how words connect across subjects and everyday conversations so they retain new language naturally. Whether I am working with young children, English language learners, students with diverse learning needs, or adults expanding their professional vocabulary, my goal is to build lasting word knowledge that increases confidence in reading, writing, speaking, and overall communication.
Writing

Writing

Whether a student is composing a story, responding to a journal prompt, writing a professional email, completing a school assignment, or preparing for college, strong writing skills open doors to confident communication and academic success. My goal is to help students discover that writing is not about perfection; it is about learning how to express ideas clearly, effectively, and with confidence. My background uniquely prepares me to support writers of all ages and abilities. I earned my bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies, where I developed a strong understanding of linguistics, language acquisition, and the relationship between language and communication through my studies of American Sign Language and English. As a bilingual communicator, I understand that every learner develops language differently, which has shaped my patient, individualized approach to teaching. I later earned my master's degree in Education, hold a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with an English Learner (ELL) Authorization, and successfully passed the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA), demonstrating expertise in literacy development and evidence-based language instruction. I believe the best writers are developed through encouragement, meaningful practice, and personalized feedback. During our sessions, I help students strengthen grammar, sentence fluency, vocabulary, organization, and written expression while adapting instruction to each learner's goals and interests. Whether a student wants to become a more confident writer, improve school assignments, strengthen creative writing, or simply communicate more effectively, I provide practical strategies and individualized support that help them develop lasting writing skills they can use for years to come.

Examples of Expertise

Rory has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 4 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Ratings and Reviews

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Reviews

Engaging, Patient, and Knowledgeable ASL instructor

Rory is a FABULOUS ASL teacher. It is evident she is passionate and experienced in teaching the language, and I felt very comfortable the whole time. She was patient with me, and the lessons are very well structured, meaningful, and engaging. It is important to learn Sign Language from someone who is a Native signer like Rory, and it is easy to see that Rory has a deep understanding of the language and Deaf culture. I can confidently say I recommend her to anyone looking to learn ASL, or improve their general language skills!

Rebecca, 2 lessons with Rory