Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Teacher"

The sign 'teacher' uses both hands. Press all the fingertips of the hand together so the hands are in ovals. Bring the ovals up towards the forehead, with the circles near the eyebrows. Shake the hands out by the wrists once, then bring the hands both down at the same time, straightening them into flat hands. As the hands are brought down, the palms should face each other into our person classifier. The sign should end around the chest.

Examples Using "Teacher" in a Sentence

1

My teacher is very nice.

Sign 'MY' by placing a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'TEACHER' by moving the O-hands from your forehead down into the flat-handed person marker. Finish with the sign for 'NICE'.

2

Are you a teacher?

Point directly at the person to sign 'YOU', then perform the 'TEACHER' sign. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, which is the ASL grammar rule for asking a yes/no question.

3

I want to be an ASL teacher.

Sign 'I', 'WANT', and 'ASL'. Then, sign 'TEACHER' by bringing your fingertips near your eyebrows, shaking them once, and pulling down into the person classifier at your chest.

How to Sign "Teacher"
The sign 'teacher' uses both hands. Press all the fingertips of the hand together so the hands are in ovals. Bring the ovals up towards the forehead, with the circles near the eyebrows. Shake the hands out by the wrists once, then bring the hands both down at the same time, straightening them into flat hands. As the hands are brought down, the palms should face each other into our person classifier. The sign should end around the chest.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'teacher' is a beautiful example of how ASL combines concepts. The first half of the sign represents 'teach.' By placing your gathered fingertips near your forehead and moving them outward, you are visually taking knowledge from your brain and sharing it with others. The second half is the 'agent marker' or 'person classifier,' which traces the sides of a person's body. Together, they literally mean 'teach-person.'
Signing Tips
To make this sign look natural, focus on a smooth transition between the two movements. Start with your fingertips pressed together near your eyebrows, representing knowledge. Give a crisp, single shake outward from the wrists, then immediately flow into the 'person' ending. As you bring your hands down to your chest, make sure your palms are facing each other with your fingers pointing forward, creating the shape of a person's body.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake for beginners is forgetting the second half of the sign. If you only do the movement near your forehead, you are just signing the verb 'teach.' You must include the downward movement with flat hands to add the 'person' ending. Additionally, make sure your hands don't block your eyes during the first part; keep them slightly off to the sides near your eyebrows.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Teacher" in a Sentence
1

My teacher is very nice.

Sign 'MY' by placing a flat hand on your chest, then sign 'TEACHER' by moving the O-hands from your forehead down into the flat-handed person marker. Finish with the sign for 'NICE'.

2

Are you a teacher?

Point directly at the person to sign 'YOU', then perform the 'TEACHER' sign. Remember to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly, which is the ASL grammar rule for asking a yes/no question.

3

I want to be an ASL teacher.

Sign 'I', 'WANT', and 'ASL'. Then, sign 'TEACHER' by bringing your fingertips near your eyebrows, shaking them once, and pulling down into the person classifier at your chest.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the sign have two distinct movements?

This is because 'teacher' is a compound sign. The first movement near your forehead means 'teach,' and the second downward movement is the 'person' ending (agent marker). Together, they mean 'a person who teaches.'

Do my hands need to physically touch my forehead?

No, your hands shouldn't touch your face. Simply bring your gathered fingertips close to your eyebrows, give them a slight outward shake, and then transition into the downward person marker.

Is this the same sign used for 'professor'?

Yes! This sign is highly versatile. You can use it to refer to a school teacher, a college professor, or an instructor of any kind. The context of your conversation will clarify their specific role.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!