WESTDALE Public School teacher Keili Green has never learnt sign language before, but for Zac Aslin, she's going all the way to ensure his needs are met.
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Zac, in class 3G, is a visual learner and responds to sign language well. To make sure he's included in class, Ms Green is studying a TAFE course for AUSLAN.
Not only does she complete her usual teaching duties, Ms Green heads to Tamworth TAFE two nights a week for three hours for her year-long course.
She's learning it so she can teach her students as well, meaning everyone in the class can be included in discussions.
"AUSLAN is really great, it makes everyone inclusive, the kids really respond well to it because it's great for visuals, and also stimulates the brain because you're doing more than one thing at a time," she told the Leader.
"They really love it and use it with Zac as well."
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School principal Neshelle Battle said Ms Green always put in the extra effort and time to meet the needs of her students.
"She's been a teacher here for the last 17 years and has done that for any student in the classroom," Ms Battle said.
"Zac is an example of how she's done a lot of work out of school hours to support his needs. That's Keili and she ensures every student in that classroom is known, valued and cared for, which is wonderful.
"It's a fine example of public education and how we're growing great teachers and how they're willing to go above and beyond for the students."
Ms Green said it would be great if AUSLAN was part of the school curriculum.
"It is inclusive and I think there's lots of benefits and good things from being able to sign," she said.
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