Testimonials
If I had to search the world to find a colleague to coordinate the ASL Teaching side of our major here, I would not have to search far. Brenda would be my first choice. She is independent, organized, effective and has a network of colleagues and support that may rival major companies… Brenda is a phenomenal classroom teacher. Her classes are well-organized, competently and professionally presented. She teaches every level of ASL we have at USM, but we reserve her as much as possible for the upper level 401 and 402 classes (ASL 5 and 6). She regularly observes and trains the other ASL teachers. She was instrumental in setting up an ASL teachers’ organization across Maine and has worked hard at bringing training to not only USM teachers but all ASL teachers in Maine. She has worked for high standards so that there can be transfers from various feeder programs or programs in other states to our USM classes.
---Judy Shepard-Kegl, Professor of Linguistics Director of the Signed Language Research Laboratory, University of Southern Maine
I am a former student of the University of Southern Maine and I had the pleasure of taking four of my ASL classes with Brenda Schertz. Her energetic and positive approach to teaching created an environment that was ideal for learning. Looking back, I remember her classes as being stimulating and challenging but also light-hearted and fun. Brenda encouraged us be involved in and volunteer for Deaf community activities and events. This reinforced what we learned in the classroom but also gave depth and meaning to the language as ASL and Deaf culture are inextricably intertwined. I am incredibly grateful for having had her as a professor.
---Sarah Jane Wing, Equipment Assistant Manager, Maine Center on Deafness
Brenda's passion for the material and for teaching draws you in to the content of her courses. As a student I've noticed that it’s contagious; in the same way that she's ever vigilant in keeping up with the latest aspects of her field and finding ways to convey information in meaningful ways, students are ever more interested in what comes next.
---Elaine Williams, Coordinator, Goodwill Deaf Services
Brenda combines her passion for language and culture with a love for teaching. Knowledgeable, creative and always energetic, she celebrates the Deaf world with her students, encouraging them to experience its many facets through books, art, film and direct experience. She has an impressive work ethic. All of this, combined with a warm, accepting personality, makes Brenda a pillar of USM's ASL and Deaf Studies Program, and an asset to the community at large. She is a real gem.
---Polly Lawson, CI, Freelance Interpreter and former USM student
---Judy Shepard-Kegl, Professor of Linguistics Director of the Signed Language Research Laboratory, University of Southern Maine
I am a former student of the University of Southern Maine and I had the pleasure of taking four of my ASL classes with Brenda Schertz. Her energetic and positive approach to teaching created an environment that was ideal for learning. Looking back, I remember her classes as being stimulating and challenging but also light-hearted and fun. Brenda encouraged us be involved in and volunteer for Deaf community activities and events. This reinforced what we learned in the classroom but also gave depth and meaning to the language as ASL and Deaf culture are inextricably intertwined. I am incredibly grateful for having had her as a professor.
---Sarah Jane Wing, Equipment Assistant Manager, Maine Center on Deafness
Brenda's passion for the material and for teaching draws you in to the content of her courses. As a student I've noticed that it’s contagious; in the same way that she's ever vigilant in keeping up with the latest aspects of her field and finding ways to convey information in meaningful ways, students are ever more interested in what comes next.
---Elaine Williams, Coordinator, Goodwill Deaf Services
Brenda combines her passion for language and culture with a love for teaching. Knowledgeable, creative and always energetic, she celebrates the Deaf world with her students, encouraging them to experience its many facets through books, art, film and direct experience. She has an impressive work ethic. All of this, combined with a warm, accepting personality, makes Brenda a pillar of USM's ASL and Deaf Studies Program, and an asset to the community at large. She is a real gem.
---Polly Lawson, CI, Freelance Interpreter and former USM student