Ep 22 | From Isolation to Connection: ASL, Access, and Belonging A Teacher of the Year’s Playbook

In Episode 22 of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, I sit down with Arby Jean Wolkov, an American Sign Language teacher and one of California’s 2025 Teachers of the Year. Arby shares her journey from being an English language learner to becoming a statewide leader in Deaf education.We explore what high-quality ASL instruction looks like, why language access is critical for Deaf and hard of hearing students, and how schools can create environments where all students feel connected and included. Arby also breaks down common misconceptions about the Deaf community and shares how her classroom builds real-world communication through immersive learning experiences—including interpreting live performances.This episode is a powerful reminder that when we center communication, access, and belonging, we open doors for students and communities in transformative ways. Episode TakeawaysLanguage access is foundational; many Deaf students are born to hearing parents and may not have early access to languageASL is a complete language with its own grammar and structure—not simply English translated into signsHigh-quality ASL programs include culture, history, and real-world application—not just vocabularyImmersive experiences like “Silent Weekend” allow students to truly live the language beyond the classroomStudents build empathy and deeper connections when they can directly communicate across differencesSchools must invest in interpreters, trained teachers, and inclusive practices to support Deaf and hard of hearing studentsASL should be treated as a world language and career pathway—not just an elective 🚌 About the PodcastSo here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together. This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people: the passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 education, and the once-passionate leaders who just need a spark to find their way back.As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.📬 Connect with Arby Jean WolkovGo Fund Me (Silent Weekend): https://www.gofundme.com/f/silentweekend2026Donor's Choose (Silent Weekend): https://www.donorschoose.org/classroom/aslwithmstacubEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arby-jean-tacubw/📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene SpatesWebsite: ontheschoolbuswithdrspates.comWebsite: KrishnaSpates.comEmail: [email protected] • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpatesLinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.📸 Production StudioRecorded at 661 Creators SpaceWebsite: 661CreatorsSpace.comInstagram: @661CreatorsSpaceEmail: [email protected]🎼 MusicTheme Song: “Call of Duty” — MutanixInstagram: @mutanixsEmail: [email protected] with permission.💛 Support the WorkIf this episode inspired you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share with another school leader. Watch the playlist on YouTube while you're multi-tasking: Listen here. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.