In this teacher interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Stubbs, one of Bilingual Bridges’ most versatile language educators. Mark brings a wealth of experience in special education, supporting students with diverse learning needs, and teaching American Sign Language (ASL) with enthusiasm through our ASL sign language classes online. Join us for a fun and insightful conversation with a true advocate for accessible learning and inclusive education. Whether you’re interested in American Sign Language tutoring or online ASL courses, Mark’s expertise and passion shine through

Please tell us a little about who you are, where you live, and what you do.

I grew up in Downeast, Maine, and spent much of my youth visiting my grandparents in the village of Blue Hill. If you’ve ever read Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, you might recognize the fair in the story—it’s based on the Blue Hill Fair. I spent my childhood fishing in brooks, building forts in fields, digging for old bottles, and playing baseball, basketball, and other games with my younger brother.

When and why did you decide to become a teacher?

After earning my MBA and playing four years of basketball along the East Coast, I embarked on an 18-year career as a store manager at LL Bean. While I gained valuable experience, the unpredictable retail hours often took a toll on family time, making it difficult to balance work and personal life. This led me to rethink my path, ultimately deciding to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps and pursue teaching. She taught her six brothers in a one-room schoolhouse in northern Maine, passing down a love for learning and a deep appreciation for the quiet kindness that shapes meaningful education.

You’re known in the Bilingual Bridges community as a fantastic online ASL tutor. What sparked your interest in American Sign Language teaching?

I began learning ASL during my first year of teaching special education to students with severe and profound disabilities. After a month, I realized we needed a better way to communicate our needs. Using functional sign language has been a game-changer for my students. It promotes communication, encourages verbal output, supports self-regulation, and empowers students to make daily choices.

From your perspective, what have been the most significant changes in American Sign Language teaching recently?

One of the biggest shifts has been the accessibility of ASL, especially through social media, where it’s being embraced as an art form. Parents are turning to ASL to encourage verbal communication, whereas it was once thought that ASL could hinder speech development.

What has been the most unique experience you have had as an online ASL tutor, whether positive or negative?

I’ve had so many memorable experiences, but a few stand out. I started teaching virtually in 2019 with VIPKid and quickly realized I had a knack for creating focused, meaningful connections with students. One of my students, who’s been with me since she was three, recently turned five and has gone viral on Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) for a class where I taught her both English and ASL. Another humbling experience happened when a new student shared that she wanted to learn ASL because her grandparents were deaf, and their godmother was Helen Keller! Teaching from my kitchen, which overlooks the forest, has allowed me to connect with diverse cultures and appreciate the positive impact of teaching on so many lives.

Do you teach anything besides ASL? What would you have been if not a teacher?

In addition to ASL, I teach High School Functional Life Skills, ESL to beginners, and college students, and Business Management courses. I currently work as an elementary special education teacher at an incredibly inclusive school. If I hadn’t become a teacher, I think I would have pursued a career as an archeologist specializing in Indigenous studies here in New England.

What are your hobbies apart from being an ASL tutor?

I enjoy fly fishing, studying Indigenous history (I’ve collected tools and rocks used thousands of years ago), metal detecting, and camping. A fun fact: my grandfather was the announcer at the Blue Hill Fair for over 50 years. I didn’t realize until rereading Charlotte’s Web that the announcer mentioned in the book was based on him!

I’ve heard you and your father are going on a hunting trip soon. Could you share a little about it?

Next week, I’ll go on a moose hunting trip with my 81-year-old father in northern Maine’s unorganized townships. After 44 years of waiting, my permit was finally selected. Moose hunting is a big part of our family heritage, and much of the meat will go to those in need in our community. This area of Maine is the same land my great-grandfather roamed in the late 1800s.

Mark’s experience in Bilingual Bridges as an online ASL tutor.

I’m proud to work with everyone here at Bilingual Bridges. This work has helped me grow as a special education teacher, allowing me to apply new skills with my students and paraprofessionals.

Get ready to learn American Sign Language with Mark! He brings enthusiasm to each class, teaching kids and adults alike. You can book a class with him by clicking here. At Bilingual Bridges, we have a team of certified teachers who offer special education and many other subjects. We’re excited to work with you!

– Written by Maria Sara Arias, Bilingual Curriculum & Instruction Specialist at Bilingual Bridges