Community Highlights: Meet Jenny Stewart of Signing Courses

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Stewart

Hi Jenny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up with my dad, who’s Deaf, I was immersed in the Deaf community from a young age. Sign language became my first bridge to connecting with the world, and it gave me a sense of purpose early on. I wanted to help build a world where communication was open to everyone, so I pursued a Bachelor’s in ASL interpreting, a Deaf Studies Certificate, a Master’s in Special Education, and a Teaching Certification to teach Deaf children. This foundation led me to work for 15 years in Early Education, as well as an ASL interpreter and Educator for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Special Education, and general education classrooms. These experiences shaped my vision for creating Signing Courses to provide educators with simple sign language tools for children who haven’t yet developed verbal communication skills.

I began to see how a few basic signs could empower children and ease their frustration by giving them a way to express their needs and emotions. So, I launched Signing Courses, which provides a propriety method of implementing Simple Signs in a way that encourages speech and language development. We provide Simple Signs materials such as curriculum guides, ASL posters, flashcards, and courses to early childhood programs and schools across the U.S., promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for all children.

Today, I balance my time between my roles as a full-time professor and program developer for the Deaf Studies program at a local college and running Signing Courses.

On a personal level, I’m a mom of three, a foster mom, and a cancer survivor. My son and I have celiac disease, which has led me to advocate for the celiac community as well, sharing resources and support with others navigating this journey. Each of these roles has deepened my commitment to making the world more inclusive and accessible for all. And with Signing Courses, I’m able to help young children, their families, and their teachers communicate with empathy, ease, and connection.

More of a bio-

I’m a dedicated advocate for accessible communication and inclusive education, with roots in the Deaf community thanks to my father. I hold a bachelor’s degree in ASL interpreting, a Deaf Studies certificate, a master’s in special education, and a teaching certification for Deaf children. I am also an accomplished author where I was given the opportunity to write an ASL academic book alongside my father. He passed away, and I was given the opportunity to help bring his original teachings up to date with new signs, and videos for beginning ASL students. With 15 years of experience in early education, I started Signing Courses to equip early educators with tools that bring sign language to children of all abilities. In addition to my work with Signing Courses, I’m a mother of three, foster mom, cancer survivor, and advocate in the celiac disease community. Each of these roles fuels my mission to help children communicate confidently and supportively from their very first years and beyond.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building this business hasn’t always been easy. Navigating both my personal and professional life has come with its own set of challenges. As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adult), there have been times when I felt the need to prove myself—balancing my identity between the Deaf and hearing worlds while honoring both. Growing up in and around the Deaf community taught me Deaf culture and the language, which has been the greatest thing.
My children are GODA’s grandchildren of Deaf adults, and they get to experience life around the Deaf community as well.
Life’s personal hurdles have also shaped me. I’ve faced the realities of being a cancer survivor and the complexities of motherhood and fostering, while also advocating for my son and myself in the celiac disease community. Each of these experiences brought a unique perspective to my work but also moments of exhaustion, worry, and overwhelm. Being a mother to three, a foster mom, and supporting my son through our shared celiac disease journey have all strengthened my drive, but they’ve also made me acutely aware of the importance of support, connection, and acceptance.
If it wasnt for my faith as a Christian I would have a hard time and wouldn’t be where I am today. He has given me the strength to overcome all of these challenges.

And then there’s the emotional journey of losing my father. My dad gave me one of the greatest gifts I could ever ask for: ASL, a connection to his world, and a language that became the foundation of my life’s work. Grieving his loss while carrying on his legacy has been bittersweet; he was my first teacher, my motivation, and my inspiration. I still carry him with me in the work I do, the students I teach, and the children I help find their voice through signing. It’s hard, but knowing that my work honors him gives me strength to keep going.

In these challenges, I’ve found purpose and resilience, and they remind me daily why I started Signing Courses. Every obstacle has only deepened my commitment to making sign language accessible for young children, educators, and families across the country, creating a world where everyone feels understood and supported from the start.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Signing Courses?
Signing Courses began in 2022 to empower early and special education teachers with practical ASL tools and resources that make a meaningful impact in the classroom. We launched The Signing Courses Circle as a comprehensive membership, designed as a lifelong resource for educators. With a one-time fee, members gain continual access to everything Signing Courses offers, with new resources added every month to keep content fresh and up-to-date.

The Signing Courses Circle provides a wealth of tools, including professional development, ASL materials, structured courses, practical resources, and live classes. We developed a curriculum guide specifically for early and special education settings, allowing teachers to integrate sign language seamlessly into their classrooms.

Additionally, members can earn the Signing Courses Certificate of Completion, allowing educators to announce their classroom or program as signing-inclusive, using ASL to promote communication, speech, and language development. For those looking to enhance their career further, we offer the option to certify as a Signing Courses Instructor. This certification can strengthen an educator’s resume, highlighting their expertise in ASL and their commitment to accessibility. It’s a strong asset for early education teachers, special education teachers, speech and language teachers, occupational therapists, and more, proving their dedication to fostering inclusive, communication-rich learning environments.

In short, The Signing Courses Circle is a complete, lifelong membership that offers everything educators need to create signing-inclusive classrooms that support every child’s communication journey. Our slogan is Signing Courses, Communication for All.

How do you think about happiness?
Running Signing Courses is truly one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. I’m happier than I’ve ever been because this business lets me pursue my passion for accessible communication every day, all while having my family and my faith at the center of it all. Balancing Signing Courses with the love and support of my family has allowed me to grow in ways I never expected, helping me become the best version of myself. With each step forward, I’m able to bring my vision to life while staying grounded in the values that matter most to me.

Pricing:

• for en entire organization school district to join, you have to contact us

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.signingcourses.com
• Instagram: @signingcourses
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SigningCoursesCommunication